16 There were many numbers to choose from for Marc Gasol but one of the most impressive was 16 – as in the number of free throw makes and attempts the Grizzlies center finished with.
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Memphis controlled the second half. The Pelicans led by as many as 14 points in the first half and were in front 65-64 at halftime, but the Grizzlies took over with a 27-20 third quarter and maintained the upper hand in the fourth. New Orleans was able to tie it 80-80 on a hoop by Ryan Anderson but Memphis promptly went on a 6-0 run and never trailed again.
Gentry was happy to have 13 available players for the first time this season, but the return of both Evans and Cole led to confusion, timing issues, and missed defensive assignments at times as the cohesion still needs work.
The bright light for New Orleans was Tyreke Evans.
Cole proved to be a dependable scoring option for New Orleans off the bench last season, averaging 9.9 points in 28 games after being acquired from Miami. Expected to accomplish big things this year and elevate to a level they haven’t been at since Chris Paul was on the team, the Pelicans are just 4-13. The Pelicans started out well in the first quarter, putting Memphis on its heels as the Pels recorded a 38-point first quarter.
The Grizzlies (10-8) owned a 49-41 rebounding advantage in Sunday’s 92-84 victory over winless Philadelphia to improve to 5-1 when outrebounding their opponent. Holiday had 12 points and Alexis Ajinca, getting a rare start, had 10 points in just over 12 minutes but was plagued by foul trouble throughout. Then everything fell apart as the Memphis Grizzlies got into the lane at will and dominated the final three quarters on their way to a 113-104 win that left New Orleans at 4-14 and searching for answers.
The Pelicans are going to see Gasol hitting jumpers in their sleep tonight because he did it so often.
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Memphis came in averaging 96 points per game.
