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First-year New York Knicks Head Coach David Fizdale hasn’t exactly had the best season in the Big Apple. Between the losing, the Enes Kanter situation, and all this Kristaps Porzingis nonsense, it’s been a far below-average campaign in NYC.
The Grizzlies came into town looking to not play down to their competition and break another losing streak, which they actually did. These are those situations where you look at everything on paper and clearly, the Grizzlies should win. And Sunday, they did! Even though the Knicks made a run in the fourth and closed it to within eight points at the 3:50 mark.
Grades!
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Marc Gasol and Mike Conley combined for over half of the Grizzlies points
Easily the two names with the most to prove on this team right now, Marc and Mike were the catalyst for the Grizzlies on Sunday. Conley finished with nearly a triple-double, netting 25 points to lead all scorers in the game. Mike also had a game-high 7 assists and 8 rebounds. Marc chipped in 24 points of his own with 9 rebounds and 5 assists. The two also had +/- numbers that equaled their point totals on the afternoon. With performances like that, you’d think they were trying to impress other teams (or their own) or something.
Grade: A
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Justin Holiday had his best game as a Grizzly
Holiday seems to always have decent games when I write the report cards. He didn’t disappoint again Sunday with 19 points, his most since scoring 20 on December 7th when he was still a member of the Chicago Bulls. Holiday was 5-of-10 from three, also his best as a Grizzly. Justin will probably follow this up with another game of less than 5 points as that’s been his style this year, but it’s still promising to see him have these positive stretches.
Grade: A
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Bruno Caboclo had a long day. Or short day depending on your outlook.
Also, you’ll notice that the picture above is from the other night against Minnesota. That’s because for one reason or another none of the major news outlets took a picture of Bruno on Sunday that we can use on GBB. That is how little of an impact he had on the game. Bruno celebrated getting his second 10-day contract by putting together a quite terrible game. 4 fouls, 0 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist. The smallest +/- of any starter at just 8 in 16:54 on the court. A very forgettable game for the young man.
Grade: F
Quick Grades
Joakim Noah get a C- for getting a less-than-positive reaction upon his return to Madison Square Garden. When Noah checked in during the first quarter, the fans in New York voiced their opinions on Noah’s time as a Knick. Noah was largely ineffective otherwise, but I upgraded him for being a natural heel.
Jaren Jackson Jr. gets a B for finding a way to impact the game again. Jaren got himself into foul trouble again, picking up 5 fouls in just of action. However, Jaren managed to get 16 points and 7 rebounds in that 25:44 of action. His 18 +/- was third behind Marc and Mike for the game.
The Grizzlies have one more game ahead before the trade deadline. Tuesday night Minnesota will come in to FedExForum for what could be the final game for several players on the Grizzlies.