Grizzlies v. Lakers

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Records: Lakers 21-11; Grizzlies 10-23
Offensive ratings: Lakers 111.8 (6th); Grizzlies 107.2 (15th)
Defensive ratings: Lakers 106.0 (8th); Grizzlies 111.6 (27th)
Projected Starting Lineups: Lakers: Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Luke Walton, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum
Grizzlies: Mike Conley, Mike Miller, Rudy Gay, Pau Gasol, Darko Milicic

The Grizzlies Coming In: I look at a Memphis roster with Pau Gasol, Rudy Gay, future Olympian Mike Miller and the emerging Mike Conley and think, “How can they be this bad?” This is not a roster that would contend, but one of the worst records in the NBA?

We’ve got a few questions and they were answered by Chip from the great new blog 3 Shades of Blue (which also has a very good game preview up).

New coach, new GM, what kind of changes has that brought on the court?

The new coach has brought in a new philosophy both offensively and defensively that has caused some adjustment problems this season. That has been compounded by a series of injuries to Darko Milicic and Pau Gasol who were supposed to anchor the heart of the defense especially. The inability to put a consistent starting lineup on the court week to week dramatically slowed the maturation process of the team both defensively and offensively. However, over the last two weeks the team has established the lineup they wanted to begin the season with and are starting to see better results because of that. A blowout win in Indiana, a tough 4 pt loss at Boston and a win at home against Miami has got the team off to a good start to begin the New Year. Chris Wallace’s impact has been felt but is somewhat muted compared to the impact he should make over the next 12 months. Chris pulled off a great deal to acquire Juan Carlos Navarro who is both another deadly outside shooter and best friend of occasional malcontent Pau Gasol killing two birds with one trade so to speak. His signing of Darko Milicic may be a bit expensive for what we have received so far but other teams were willing to swoop in if we didn’t get him signed so I think Wallace did a good job there. The injured thumb on Darko’s left hand has retarded his development but there aren’t a lot of talented 22 yr old centers with 4 yrs experience available. The three year contract doesn’t commit the Grizz to an eternity waiting for him to develop either. Mike Conley is looking like an excellent pick as well.


There’s some good young talent in guys like Rudy Gay and Mike Conley, how does Pau Gasol fit in with that? What are the fan feelings about Pau now?

How Pau is fitting in with the new system and players and how the fans feel about Pau are two radically different questions. The city of Memphis dislikes Pau’s style of play and his apparent lack of physicality. It has gotten so bad that the fans loudly booed Gasol for a bad performance one game after he put up 31 pts and 13 rebounds against Philly. That isn’t exactly a supportive home town atmosphere for the man who has been the only bright spot on the team for the last few years. The problem with Pau’s adjustment to the new relates back to your earlier question. Pau suffered a sprained ankle in training camp, a back strain at the beginning of the season and a jammed big toe. These injuries were spread out over the first two months and combined with Darko’s sprained thumb and sprained ankle have limited the opportunity to the two bigs have had to adjust to each other. That has been getting better lately and the Memphis Trio of Gay, Gasol and Miller are really getting in groove lately. When all three are comfortable and healthy in the system they make a difficult group to stop and throw in lightning quick Mike Conley at the point and Darko to be the physical presence and there is a lot to be optimistic about next season.

This is another season where the Memphis defense is holding the team back. Is this a matter of effort or personnel?

The simple answer is yes. No one will ever confuse Gasol or Miller as defensive stoppers. However the main problem has been at the point not the interior. When Damon played the opposing point guards easily beat him off the dribble to penetrate into the box. From there it was relatively easy to simply continue to the hole or dish to an open teammate when one of the bigs moved to cover. Iavaroni has been working hard to correct this and the insertion of Mike Conley into the lineup has severely reduced this problem. In the games since Conley took over as point guard the scoring has been 72, 100 and 94. No one will confuse the Grizzlies with San Antonio, Detroit or Houston but we aren’t the Warriors right now either. The team’s health issues created a lot of the defensive problems as did the new system but again those things seem to be working more in the Grizzlies favor of late.

What is going to be interesting is to see how things change once teams adapt to Conley. Right now Mike is benefiting from a lack of scouting on his game but that will change soon and how he adapts to different defensive and offensive schemes will go a long way to determine how effective the Grizzlies will be the remainder of the year.

Lakers notes: Sometimes I have long, thoughtful posts planned that just get chopped off at the knees before I get them up on the site. For example, this thing I had been working on about how I am growing to really like the Lakers rotation at the three — Luke Walton and Trevor Ariza have very complimentary games. Need the Triangle to flow, some play in the post and a guy who can stretch the opposing defense, go with Luke. Need better defense and an athletic guy who can run the floor and get to the hole, go with Trevor. The Lakers can play to any match up.

Then today Mike Bresnahan’s Lakers Report in the LA Times talks about how the three is overlooked and Phil is going to use Luke or Trevor more based on matchups. So just read what he wrote.

Stat To Watch Tonight While Thinking About When Blu-Ray Machine Prices Will Come Down: When Mike Miller scores 17 or more points, the Grizzlies are 10-8, when he scores less than 17 they are 0-15. (Via True Hoop.)

Keys To The Game: Since becoming a starter Conley has averaged 9.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2 steals a game. It’s a key reason that the Grizzlies the Lakers face are better than their record. He seems to be getting the ball to Miller and Gasol in better positions for them, opening up their game. And if you go way back in the TrueHoop archives, you’ll find I liked Rudy Gay from the first time I saw him.

The Lakers should be able to score plenty tonight — the Griz do not defend any position particularly well, but are really weak inside. Bynum should be able to get his position and shot against Darko, and I’d use him in the high pick-and-roll with Kobe to force Darko to recover quickly or force a switch favorable to our emerging big. Also, Odom should be able to exploit Gasol on defense. I’m also curious how Memphis will choose to defend Kobe, with Gay or Miller. Either way, whoever has Miller on him (Kobe or Walton) should be able to get some points.

The key for the Lakers will be defense (as it is every night, really). Memphis is a roster with a lot of firepower so the Lakers need to not let it get rolling. I’d like to see a lot of pressure on Conley (using Fisher but also Farmar and maybe some Crittenton) to test the youngster. He’s going to be good but he’s still a rookie, so pressure the ball. In addition, the Lakers need to make sure Gasol, Miller and Gay do not get comfortable.

Also, the Lakers can’t turn the ball over — Memphis is 1-10 this season against the teams with the lowest turnover percentages. Take care of the ball and you take away some easy baskets for a team that needs them.

Tonight’s Game: Where A Road Win Happens: This is the first game of a back-to-back, with the second game being the very hot Hornets. The Lakers want at least a split here and it will be much easier to get on the front end than the back end. But, if the Lakers look past a Memphis team that feels some momentum and they will be in for a tough night. The Lakers need to play good defense, and the win will come.

Where you can watch: Game time is 5 p.m. (Pacific). In Los Angeles tune into KCAL (9), and thankfully no delay here. Keep the comments coming as I’ll be “watching” this one through ESPN Gamecast from work.</div>

Source: ForumBlueandGold

 

Lakers haven't played this team well in the past. The Grizzlies alway give us match up problems and the Lakers have had a bad habit of overlooking their talent.

With Mike Conley back in the lineup the Grizzlies are dangerous and he will look to push the tempo. Facing this team is actually a great warm up for the upcoming showdown against the Hornets. Both these teams rely on speed guards so the Lakers won't have to change much up for the next game.

Lakers should be able to get shots off against this team, but they can't settle for jumpers. Attack that soft interior, make high percentage shots, and set the defense.

Lakers can't allow this team to stick around because the Grizzlies have plenty of different ways they can beat you.

 

Here's a preview from a Memphis Blogger.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Memphis has taken to heart the idea of starting the New Year right. With a blowout win over Indiana, a tough loss at Boston and an exciting victory over Miami and Dwayne Wade on a rare Sunday matinee game, Memphis is playing the best basketball of the season. Not coincidentally, Memphis has started the same lineup for all three games. Mike Conley has replaced Damon Stoudamire at the point with his quick feet, pass first mentality and the team has a new defensive focus giving up a mere 88.67 ppg since the change was made. Maybe the fact that Conley hasn't had to play against an elite PG yet has something to do with that. Gasol has definitely benefited from some off days to recover his physicality and without the need to play 'point' forward his scoring has improved. Mike Miller and Rudy Gay are both becoming stat monsters with their scoring, rebounding and assists. Even Darko has started to find his shooting touch of late. What hasn't been working is the bench which has struggled outside of Navarro's big game in Boston.

Los Angeles is one of the more surprising teams in the NBA this season. Last summer Kobe Bryant was demanding a trade and making life miserable for coach Phil Jackson, GM Mitch Kupchak and owner Dr. Jerry Buss. With the Lakers sitting at 21-11 and having won 8 of their last 10 games no one is miserable anymore including Kobe. The interesting thing was that Kobe was demanding he get more help on the team yet the Lakers didn't make any drastic moves. Lamar Odom's return to health, Luke Walton's maturation and Andrew Bynum's development into an NBA center have suddenly provided Kobe nearly all of the help he needed. Derek Fisher was a nice addition but no one can really take credit for his opting out of his contract in Utah to sign with LA. The only move the front office has made was to acquire Trevor Ariza. With Ariza, Jordan Farmar, Javaris Crittenton and Ronny Turiaf doing the dirty work the Lakers are deep, talented and well-coached. So why was Kobe complaining so much this summer?

Storyline of the Night

-- New Point Guard, New Year, New Team. The 2-1 record since Micheal Conley took over on January 2nd has the fan base buzzing again. Those old feelings of despair, anxiety and doubt have been replaced with a promise of good, if not great, things to come. And right or wrong (I'd say mostly right), Micheal Conley is getting most of the responsibility for the sudden turn around. In the last 3 games, the new so-called "big three" of Pau, Miller and Gay are averaging 65.7 ppg, the success attributed to Conley getting the offense more in sync.

Trends

-- Memphis is 2-1 since the return of Conley. In those 3 games, Conley has played 35 minutes per game, averaging (approx.) 9 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 turnovers.
-- The Memphis rotation has tightened the last 3 games, with Conley/Miller/Gay/Pau all getting 35+ minutes per game and Darko/Swift/Lowry/Casey/Navarro getting between 10-24 minutes.
-- Memphis scored over 100 ppg in 15 of their first 24 games, but only 1 time in the last 9 games.
-- L.A. has won 12 of their last 15 games, and only 3 times failed to reach 100 points (resulting in 2 of the 3 losses).
-- Both teams score considerably more in wins than losses. 108 vs 97 for Memphis and 112 vs 97 for L.A.
-- L.A. is currently 6th in the West if the playoffs started today. The Grizzlies would be 13th and 8.5 games away from the 8th spot.

Zack's Keys to Victory

-- Conley as the primary decision maker on offense. When Damon and Kyle ran the offense, it forced Pau and Miller to be too focused on making crucial decisions with the basketball related to merely getting the offense flowing. Now with Conley taking more responsibility for the ball and ball movement, Pau, Miller and Rudy can focus more on being a threat to score. So far this concept has paid good dividends.
-- Strong interior defense. Darko might not be playing as much as the other starters, but the tone he sets with his interior defense is crucial. The Lakers would love nothing more than to allow Bynum and Odom to control the 1st half with their post-up game. Forcing the Lakers to look to their perimeter play earlier in the game will help us defensively later in the game.
-- Gay staying out of foul trouble. Even if Conley is getting most of the credit for our recent offensive resurgence, all of that could be fools gold if Rudy is on the bench for long stretches due to fouls. If Miller is in foul trouble, Navarro can replace his shooting impact. If Pau is in foul trouble, Darko or Swift or Hak can replace his interior scoring impact. If Rudy is in foul trouble, no one on our roster replaces him. That will be key against Kobe and the suddenly defensive juggernaut Lakers. We might need Rudy's defense on Kobe, but more importantly we need his offense to force the Lakers to exert a lot of energy on defense.

Matchups

Point Guards: Michael Conley vs Derek Fisher
Memphis was unhappy to have to select Michael Conley this summer in the draft after losing the lottery. No Greg Oden, no Kevin Durant and not even Al Horford for the team desperate for interior strength. Not many people are complaining now. It is amazing how much better a solid point guard can make your interior defenders. Speaking of a solid point guard, is it a surprise that the Lakers have improved dramatically with the addition of Derek Fisher at the point? Suddenly Kobe has someone who understands his role and delivers the ball in the proper manner. Fisher is a wily veteran who may not have the foot speed to stay up with Conley but he has all the knowledge that Conley hasn't got yet. Should be a good education for the youngster in this game.
Advantage: Lakers

Shooting Guards: Mike Miller vs Kobe Bryant
Mike Miller is really enjoying playing with a fast, pass first PG as he has averaged 20 ppg since Conley became starter. He was averaging 15 ppg before Conley. Conley's impact is being felt in more ways than just the point positions improvement. Miller is a spot up shooter who needs penetration from the point to be most effective. He is getting that now and from someone who will pass it out once he gets in there. Not that it matters in this match up. Kobe is one of the best perimeter defenders when motivated. He is only superior on nights he isn't motivated. The only way Miller will see 20 pts tonight is if he looks at Kobe's halftime score.
Advantage: Lakers

Small Forwards: Rudy Gay vs Luke Walton
Luke Walton doesn't post illustrious stats but he's drunk from Shane Battier's cup and is the glue on the team. He makes everyone happy and does all the dirty work for the team. If Walton was a tad more athletic he would be far more appreciated. However he isn't more athletic and his all around hustle and determination can only take you so far. Defensively he is a liability against more athletic players. Rudy Gay is more athletic and has a lot of confidence in his game right now. Walton alone won't be able to contain Rudy and everyone knows it so expect to see Trevor Ariza getting extra minutes. If Walton and Ariza get in foul trouble it may not be a surprise to see Kobe take on the challenge against the bigger and stronger Gay.
Advantage: Memphis

Power Forwards: Pau Gasol vs Lamar Odom
When Lamar Odom is healthy he is a 5 category player who can basically do it all. The problem has been he rarely has been able to play healthy. In his 9th season Odom has only played 80 games twice in his career and has made it to 70 games twice more. When healthy he'll score around 15 ppg, grab 6-7 rebounds, dish out 5 assists, get a block and a steal and basically make life miserable for whomever it guarding him. At 6-10 he is tall enough and strong enough to defend PF's but also has range like a SF. Gasol is scoring and rebounding just a shade below average this season and considering he started slow that is an amazing comeback. Gasol can be a beast to defend down low and has developed a nice 10-15 ft jump shot as well. He will have to be physical in this game however and not check for blood too often. Gasol played big against Miami and the Grizzlies will need a similar effort against the Lakers.
Advantage: Memphis

Centers: Darko Milicic vs Andrew Bynum
Andrew Bynum was the man-boy drafted to replace Shaquille O'Neal and continue the tradition of great LA Centers. The problem was he started slow and spent his first two seasons in a legendary coach's dog house. At one point Jackson challenged his desire to improve in the press. Now in his 3rd season Bynum has begun to realize his potential and is starting to be a major force in the triangle offense. Darko Milicic was drafted to become the next Detroit Bad Boy and continue the tradition of excellence in Detroit. The problem was he started slow and spent his first two seasons in a legendary coach's dog house. At one point He was traded and had to re-establish his psyche on a new team. Now on his third team Darko has had to battle injuries this season but has had big games against the likes of Tim Duncan and Yao Ming. Should be a great match between child stars who are trying to become all-stars. The difference is Bynum hasn't had his ego as damaged as Darko's was in Detroit and Orlando.
Advantage: Lakers

Benches: Memphis vs Los Angeles
Where has Kyle Lowry gone? From the Super spark plug who was going to revolutionize the game he has digresses over recent weeks and is barely keeping his position ahead of Damon right now instead of challenging Conley for the starting role. The dreaded rookie wall seems to be claiming another victim as Kyle passes the 45 game mark in his career. Juan Carlos Navarro has been more erratic every week but is still capable of lighting up the scoreboard at any moment (just ask Boston). Stro is still good for 8 pts and 4 boards in 15 minutes. The problem is he's good for 10 pts and 5 boards in 30 minutes. The only other person getting minutes is getting booed when he walks on the court. LA's bench is young, athletic and full of promise but short on production. Jordan Farmer, taken right after Lowry in the draft has been moving slowly into the rotation and is benefiting from Fisher's experience. Vladamir Radmonovic isn't snow boarding anymore but isn't scoring that much either. Ariza is the wild card. When on he can be a very exciting player but he hasn't been on that much. Kwame Brown and Ronny Turiaf fill out bench players for the Lakers. Memphis' bench has the capability of being more productive but LA's bench knows their roles a little bit better than Memphis' and is a tad more consistent.
Advantage: Lakers</div>

Source: 3ShadesofBlue

 

Interesting stats and trends for the Grizzlies. They almost beat Boston with Conley and they are more than capable of beating us.

Our bench will be a key for us tonight. They can't have an off night against this Memphis team and blow 12 point leads.

 

Looks like Luke got the start tonight. Rudy Gay has yet to score and the Lakers have a nice 10 point lead.

Derek Fisher is on fire tonight! 11 points and 4/4 from behind the arc.

 

Kobe is struggling again tonight in the 1st half. Started the game 1-5.

EDIT: He just made a layup 2-6

At least he's getting to the free throw line though

 

And Kobe just drains a 26 footer LOL.

Lakers up by 16 points 39-23

 

The Bench Mob did it's job for the first substitution and pushed the lead another 6 points. Lakers are up by 24 points already.

5:53 left in the 2nd quarter

Yeah Fisher hasn't missed yet, but Kobe is right behind him with 12.

 

Lakers are running away with this one. Mike Miller is doing his best to shoot Memphis back in the game, but the Grizzlies can't get any stops on defense.

Lakers up by 21 points 59-38 with 3 minutes left in the half.

 

Lakers were outstanding!