Sunday’s matchup with the Brooklyn Nets was the game they were “supposed” to get. Another struggling team (6-11 entering the game) with key players out (Jeremy Lin, D’Angelo Russell).
But lately, there are no teams the Grizzlies unequivocally say they are better than, injured or not, and despite rallying from 19 points down to get within five points, Memphis came away with its eighth straight loss, 98-88.
Marc Gasol did NOT play in the fourth quarter, even when the team’s bench players had battled their way back into the game. Grizz Coach David Fizdale says the benching “wasn’t nothing against him. I was just desperate, trying to win a game.”
But Gasol talked with media at his locker for an extended time (see above), simultaneously expressing his anger at being benched while offering his own views on where the team stands now, and when the spiral will stop. Check out postgame video of Gasol and Griz guard Mario Chalmers, as well as my own three-point play — with a special “walk on” by Grind City Media’s Michael Wallace (also above).
