Grizzlies Prevail Over Nuggets, 105-98

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Denver Nuggets, 105-98, at Pepsi Center on
Sunday evening. The Grizzlies (35-25) utilized their tried-and-true formula —
solid defense and stellar play from their three most reliable veterans — to
hang on for a hard-fought road win. The improving Nuggets (26-33) hung tough
through three quarters, and the two teams entered the final period knotted at
68. However, Mike Conley, who led the way with a game-high 31 points, scored 13
in the final 12 minutes to seal the win. Memphis also outrebounded Denver by a
49-39 margin and outscored their hosts 21-13 in second-chance points. Conley
supplemented his aforementioned scoring total with five assists, four rebounds
and two steals. Marc Gasol was excellent in a supporting role, totaling 23
points, six assists and five boards, with his scoring total partly consisting of
a trio of three-pointers. Zach Randolph led the bench with 20 points, 11
rebounds and two assists. JaMychal Green had a near double-double with nine
points, 10 rebounds and one steal. The Grizzlies notably stuck with a tight
rotation of just nine players, with Gasol and Conley playing 38 and 35 minutes,
respectively. The Nuggets saw all five members of their starting five hit double
digits in the scoring column. Danilo Gallinari paced Denver with 24 points, four
rebounds, one assist and two steals. Gary Harris continued his recent stretch of
strong play with 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one
block. Wilson Chandler filled out the stat sheet with 14 points, nine boards,
six assists and one steal. Jameer Nelson tallied 12 points, four assists, two
rebounds, one steal and one block. Nikola Jokic posted a 10-point, 11-rebound
double-double that also included six assists, one steal and one block. Jamal
Murray led the second unit with 11 points, four rebounds and one assist. The
Grizzlies head back home to tangle with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday evening,
while the Nuggets head to the Windy City for a Tuesday night date with the
Chicago Bulls.