Colin Rafferty –
On Wednesday your Memphis Grizzlies beat the New Orleans Pelicans 133-128 in overtime.
It was a hard-fought game, that looked like a bad loss waiting to happen. The Grizzlies had started off hot, getting out to a 9-point lead in the 1st, but were down only a few minutes later.
The Pelicans during that time looked like they could throw up any type of three-pointer, and it would go in. The Grizzlies defense wasn’t on a rope, they were all over the place and not in a good way.
The starters for the Grizz were not the problem, it was only when the second group hit the floor did things go awry.
The Grizz were able to overcome some questionable officiating near the end and take the lead with 38.5 seconds left. The Pelicans brought the ball up and got right to the rim, when Cedric Coward lifted up and blocked an attempt by Yves Missi, who is 6 inches taller than Coward.
The Pelicans would end up tying the game with 0.9 seconds left on a Zion Williamson layup.
Photo Credits: Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells then hit some big shots in overtime, and the Grizzlies keep their NBA Cup chances alive.
Jackson finished the night with 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Wells had 25 pts, 5-6 from three, and 3 rebounds; he may have found his groove, which has been missing consistently since the beginning of the year.
Zach Edey, your impact is understated. He finished the night with 21 pts and 15 rebounds. It is awesome having a big man like him, who truly does not care. He throws people around, uses his body well, and even though he seems like a statue, is a fierce competitor and sometimes mean.
I love it.
Vince Williams Jr. had another incredible night dishing out 17 assists. His connection with Edey has gotten better every time they hit the floor, he must be working with Ja on that.
Despite not playing well, guys like Santi, Jock Landale, and Cam Spencer still added double digit points. Santi had 14 pts, Landale with 11 pts, and Cam hit 3-4 from three and added 11 pts.
The Grizzlies are now second place in West Group B, with a pivitol game tonight against the LA Clippers inside the Intuit Dome.
The Clippers are 5-13 on the season and are coming off a loss to the hometown rival Lakers on Tuesday, 135-118.
They are right behind the Grizzlies in team offense, defense, and a few spots behind in point differential; they are not a good team, so go grab a win late night in LA.
Led by James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have yet to find any consistency; where the Grizz, even though dealing with injuries galore, have looked better each game, since the early season woes.
The winning stretch started on Wednesday, and these upcoming games are completely within the ability of the Grizz to go on a little streak.
As you continue to eat left-overs from the heaps of turkey, watch football, and feel a bit of a chill in the air, make sure you stay awake for the game tonight as tip-off is at 9 PM CST.
I hope every one of you had a wonderful start to the holiday season and that the Grizz to give us a win to start the weekend off right.
Again tip-off is at 9 PM CST, you can listen live on the radio 92.9 ESPN FM or the Audacy app. You can also watch live and listen to Pete and Brevin on the FanDuel Sports Network.
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