NBA Recap: Memphis Grizzlies 95, Brooklyn Nets 86

The Memphis Grizzlies once again used their defence to net an easy 95-86 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night. Power forward Zach Randolph top-scored for the winners with 19 points while their other star big man Marc Gasol netted a double-double of 14 points, 11 rebounds and added 2 blocked shots.

The Grizzlies, which were facing former head coach Lionel Hollins in this game, have won 10 of their last 11 games while the Nets stretched a losing skid to three outings.

Memphis wanted this W early on racing on to a 32-15 lead after the opening quarter. The Nets cut the lead down to single digit late but never really threatened to steal the victory. Nets centre Mason Plumlee recorded his own double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds and Alan Anderson contributed 15 markers but the Nets had 20 turnovers that lead to easy baskets for Memphis, which converted 9 points off turnovers.

Tony Allen and Beno Udrih combined for 25 points off the bench for Memphis, which will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday before taking a break for the National Basketball Association, or NBA, All Star Week in Brooklyn and New York. The Nets meanwhile played their final game before the mid-season break but will feel down before their rest as they lost three straight to the Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards and the Grizzlies. Memphis limited the Nets to 35-of-81 field goal shooting or just 43.2% and 3-of-12 from behind the arc for 25.0%.

The Grizzlies survived the night even with starting point guard Mike Conley struggling from the field. Conley only had 2 points missing 7-of-8 shots but had 4 assists and 3 steals.

The Grizzlies’ lone loss in the last 11 games came against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which beat Memphis 90-89 last Friday. Memphis remains one of the hottest teams in the league after struggling for a 3-3 win-loss record to start 2015. The Grizzlies are 14-2 since a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 9.

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