The big star was a relatively new addition to the Grizzlies roster – veteran point guard Mario Chalmers.
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The Thunder’s defense hasn’t been at its best in the fourth quarter this season.
Memphis got back to.
Before the trade, Chalmers was known in Memphis as the guy whose 3-pointer sent the 2008 national championship game against the Memphis Tigers into overtime – a game eventually won by Chalmers’ Kansas Jayhawks.
Instead, the Grizzlies entertained with a record-breaking night from beyond the arc. But Memphis converted 12 of 17 3-pointers.
Jordan Clarkson scored 20 points to lead the tired Lakers, who were playing on consecutive days for the second time in a week. Chalmers and Mike Conley both hit four. The Spaniard is averaging 13.0 points and 9.0 assists. Conley and Chalmers had just a single turnover between them, and Conley added nine assists. “If it’s 50-50, and it’s a close game, be a little more cautious with the ball”.
Jeff Green was 2-of-2 as well from long range, en route to 20 points, his second straight 20-plus point game. Serge Ibaka had 18 and Enes Kanter scored 16.
After Memphis took its largest lead of the game at 106-95 on a pair of free throws by JaMychal Green with 3:40 left, Westbrook tried to bring the Thunder back.
Oklahoma City, though, couldn’t overcome Kevin Durant’s absence due to a hamstring injury, or Memphis’ 12-of-17 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. Just to come out and prove to the fans that I want to be here.
Memphis made 21 of its 34 three-point shots (.618) in sweeping its back-to-back set against the Timberwolves and Thunder.
“It actually gave me more motivation”. So, we’ll maybe keep it simple. He’s feeling a lot of confidence, and he’s feeling a lot of love. So, I told him, ‘Welcome to Memphis, ‘ and, ‘They love you’.
The sky’s the limit for this team and it always has been. I was just thankful it was able to roll back there.
“I think it’s a couple of things”.
Conley’s early offensive rhythm sparked the Griz. At least one that puts them in a better position to contend? Chalmers tallied the highest scoring total by a Grizzlies reserve since Jerryd Bayless dropped 30 points on March 23, 2013 vs. Boston. Chalmers previous high for the season was 16 at Minnesota when he was with the Heat.
Zach Lavine scored 25 points to lead Minnesota, which is 0-5 at home this season.
GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN: The Grizzlies and Thunder have played 39 times, including the playoffs, since the start of the 2010-11 season.
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They host Houston Friday night in and travel to San Antonio on Saturday to face the Spurs.
