The Memphis Grizzlies improved to 7-0 on the second night of a back-to-back this season and forced a split of the season series with Cleveland, defeating the Cavaliers 93-85 Wednesday at FedExForum. The Grizzlies have won 14 of their last 18 games and snapped Cleveland’s five-game winning streak.
Memphis has now won six straight at home and is now 11-4 at home on the season. The Grizzlies now stand at 7-1 in the month of December.
The Grizzlies never trailed, though Cleveland managed to keep the game within reach despite a 13-point first quarter deficit. However, the Grizzlies went on a 14-0 run to close the third quarter and extend their lead to 21.
Following a tough night at the three-point line Tuesday, the Grizzlies caught fire from three-point range tonight, shooting 12-of-23 from beyond the arc and making nine of their first 15 attempts. It marks the ninth time this season the Grizzlies have made at least 10 three-pointers.
Memphis also dominated the boards, outrebounding Cleveland 55-40 and owning a 14-7 advantage on the offensive glass. In turn, the Grizzlies outscored the Cavaliers 20-3 in second chance points.
Marc Gasol followed up his Western Conference Player of the Week honors with his fifth double-double of the season, scoring a very efficient 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field. Gasol also hit all three of his three-point attempts, marking his fifth game with three-or-more shots made from beyond the arc. He had never achieved such a feat before this season.
Toney Douglas (14 points) and Troy Daniels (20 points) followed suit in terms of efficiency, combining for 34 points on 13-of-23 shooting (6-11 3FG) off the bench. Daniels recorded his fourth game of 20-or-more off the bench this season.
Tony Allen continued filling up the box score, posting 16 points and eight rebounds to go with three steals, marking his fifth game with three-or-more steals. Allen has also scored 15-or-more points in four of his last six games.
Zach Randolph (16,963 points) passed Bob Cousy (16,960) for 90th in NBA history for career points scored.
James Jones led the Cavaliers in scoring with 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Tristan Thompson (11) recorded his 15th game with 10-or-more rebounds this season. The Cavaliers’ 16 first quarter points and 36 first half points were a season lows.
The Grizzlies play the second of a four-game home stand at FedExForum Friday, December 16 against the Sacramento Kings at 7 p.m. CT. Catch all the action live at FedExForum, watch on FOX Sports Southeast presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, or listen on 92.9 FM ESPN.
