Colin Rafferty –
Well if there was any doubt about how this team would respond, it was answered by the young men of the Grizzlies.
27 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assits, and 1 steal that was Cedric Coward’s final stat line. The 1st round pick showed off his talents all game, giving Memphis a much needed shot in the arm after the dibocal of a game Friday night.
A 128-103 victory that left the fans in attendance more than pleased. Defense was on a rope and the ball was moving around all night.
It was a Jekyll and Hyde couple of days for the Grizz. Friday it looked like this team was compelely outmatched against a Miami Heat team that I could maybe name 3 players on.
Saturday was much different.
The first half was a little bit of a back and forth with the Grizz holdling on to a 8 point lead going into the half. But out of the locker room the game turned on its head.
A 43 point 3rd quarter lead by Ja Morant and Cedric Coward was just what the doctor ordered. Ja ended the night with 19 pts, 8 assists, and 3 rebounds.
Ja’s vision on the court is unmatched – making tight window passes, no-looks, and even a 3/4 court length pass right into the bucket of John Konchar in the 2nd quarter; that made even the pros on Sunday smile.
The other rookie, Javon Small added 16 pts and 6 assits. He is looking more comfortable and his shot is starting to fall. Yet again looking like the Grizzlies front office sure knows what they are doing when they are identifying draft prospects.
It was a full effort from the whole team and even though the Pacers tried early to keep it close, the Grizz would answer accordingly and rally back to maintain the lead.
Forcing 13 turnovers and dominating in the paint 56 to 36.
Cedric Coward had his coming out party, he is legit and Grizz fans should rejoice. Tigers won on a massive 4th quarter come back and the Grizz capped it off with a resounding win as the rain blanketed the 901.
The city sleeps well when their teams win big.
After the game Ja talked over the PA, “cold blooded cheeeee…” was his response to Cedric’s night; cold blooded indeed.
Morant noted that he liked the way the ball was moving and that got guys in a rhythm early, which helped the team flush and forget what happened Friday night.
The Grizz will get a day off before hitting the road for two games against the Warriors (Monday) and Suns (Wednesday). Grizz fans will have to stay up late as both games with start at 9:00 CST.
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