The Grizzlies Bear Down in the 4th, Defeat Nuggets 105-98
The stats were pretty close for the most part, except rebounds and free throw percentage. The Nuggets could have used the Manimal. Get rest and get well.
Defense Prevailed.
When it is a game of neither’s, the grinders win. Neither team shot well, 45% to 44% for Memphis. Neither team shot 3 – pointers well, 33% to 33% Memphis.
Steals even: 9 to 9. Assists, 21 to 26 Denver. Turnovers: 15 Memphis, 12 Denver. Rebounds, and free-throws were the areas with a measurable difference: Rebounds, Memphis 53 to 45.
Fouls, 20 Memphis, 23 Denver.
Denver Nuggets
BUT, who hit their freebies? Memphis out shot Denver from the free throw line, 22-25, 13-20. That’s 9 points in a 6 point game. Memphis’ free throws were the result of drives.
The stats only indicate moments in time cumulatively. You can have great stats and still lose. The key to this game is what an experienced team brought to a learning team in the fourth quarter.
Conley hits 4 threes in the 4th. He and Gasol may be the best center/guard combo in the league when down to the wire.
The Nuggets played hard and tried their best to execute their game. They passed, and screened and tried to play hard defense. There were less ISO’s. Gallo got 24 points, Harris 19, and Chandler 14. The others play well, with Jokic trying to regain his stature with relentless pressure put on him by the defense.
This game was nothing to be ashamed of. No castigating for lack of effort or lack of preparation.
Denver, just get ready will yourselves to beat Chicago for a second time, on Wednesday. Prepare and focus and be determined.
And remember, it all happens in the fourth quarter.