For 3 minutes and 31 seconds the Grizzlies failed to score in the 4th quarter. Delon Wright's shot made it 97-95 but it was too late. The damage was done and the Grizzlies couldn't close a game they led by 8 after 3 quarters, having not lost any of the 1st three quarters, but dropped the 4th to Oklahoma City by 12 points. Final: Oklahoma City Thunder 99 Memphis Grizzlies 95
It was another terrific outing for new Grizzles center Jonas Valanciunas, who scored a double-double 16 points and 13 rebounds. Avery Bradley also continued to make shots for Memphis, scoring 27 points.
The Grizzlies were missing Mike Conley (general soreness/rest), but the Thunder were missing Paul George.
There's a case to be made watching recent games, especially the last two, that both Valanciunas and Bradley would be important to a winning formula for Memphis in 2019-20. Coach JB Bickerstaff praised the Grizzlies effort, but asserted that the Grizzlies weren't able to "execute" as a unit with so many changes. He also praised Delon Wright, who carried the majority of the minutes in Mike Conley's place. Wright scored 17 points and was +2 (+/-) on the night for Memphis. (Click the above image to listen to JB Bickerstaff's postgame interview on 92.9 following Sunday night's loss at Oklahoma City.)
Next Game: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers, Tuesday, March 5th, at 7:00 p.m. on 92.9 FM ESPN
FULL ANALYSIS: Monday (3/4) at 10:00 a.m. on 92.9 FM ESPN with Chris Herrington (Daily Memphian Grizzlies Columnist/Reporter) on the Geoff Calkins Show for his daily segment
