In tonight's Western Conference matchup of "smash vs. splash", the robust Grizzlies came out on top, defeating the Golden State Warriors 105-98, snapping their 16-game winning streak and handing the a Warriors just their third loss of the season (21-3). Tonight's match marked the first time in NBA history that two teams with at least 19 wins apiece met within the first 24 games of the season.
The Grizzlies’ core of Mike Conley, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph combined to score 58 points on 25-of-51 shooting (.490), with Gasol leading the pack with 24 points and seven rebounds. This was Gasol's 12th 20+ point performance on the season. Conley and Randolph both added 17 points each. Randolph notched 10 rebounds, recording his 15th double-double of the season while Conley recorded his 15th game scoring 18+ points through the last 20 games. Conley also sank a perfect 5-of-5 (1.000) from the free throw line.
Memphis’ bench, led by Vince Carter, scored 40 points. Carter scored a season-high 16 points on 5-of-12 FG, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Jon Leuer helped with 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting. Beno Udrih paced the Grizzlies' offense and lead all scorers with a season-high eight assists.
After 11 lead changes and four ties in the first quarter, Memphis scored 20 unanswered points, the third longest consecutive points streak in franchise history, to take a 44-30 lead with 7:22 left in the first half. The lead never changed hands again. Carter made three three pointers during the run, while Udrih assisted on all six baskets that were not his own.
Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting. Stephen Curry recorded 19 points on 9-of-25 shooting, notching seven rebounds and dishing six assists.
Memphis will take a quick one-game road trip for the second game of a back-to-back against the defending World Champion San Antonio Spurs tomorrow at 7 p.m. CST.
Photos
Key Stat of the Night
- Memphis scored the first 20 points of the second period – the third longest consecutive point streak in franchise history... The run was highlighted by Vince Carter’s three straight treys from the 10:21 to 8:59 mark and six assists from Beno Udrih… the Grizzlies scored a season-high 33 points in the quarter on 13-of-21 shooting (.619).
Key Run of the Night
- After 11 lead changes and four ties in the first quarter, Memphis stormed out with a 20-0 run to start the second quarter, taking a 44-30 lead with 7:22 left in the first half... The lead never changed hands again.
Highlights
Quotes
Player Notes
- Marc Gasol led all Grizzlies scorers with 24 points on 11-of-21 (.524) shooting while adding seven rebounds… Gasol has now recorded 12 games of 20-plus point efforts this season.
- Zach Randolph (17 points, 10 rebounds) notched his 15th double-double of the season… Randolph has 420 career double-doubles, ranking sixth among active NBA players… With tonight’s 10 rebounds, Randolph is 95 rebounds away from passing Pau Gasol (4,096) as the Grizzlies’ career leader for total rebounds.
- Mike Conley scored 17 points on 6-of-18 (.333) shooting while dishing five assists while shooting a perfect 5-of-5 from the charity stripe… Tonight was the 11th occasion Conley has ended a game with a 1.000 percentage in free-throws.
- Vince Carter tied his season-high in scoring in the first half with 11 points… Carter finished the game with a season-high 16 points on 5-of-12 shooting (.416) including 4-of-7 (.571) from beyond the arc.
- Klay Thompson led Warriors scorers with 22 points on 8-of-16 (.500) shooting including 4-of-5 (.800) from long-range.
- Former Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Marreese Speights recorded 18 points and eight rebounds on 7-of-14 (.500) shooting off the bench for Golden State.