Insider Insights: Grizzlies Trail Entire Game, Demolished By Celtics

You know what? When I saw the line for this game—19.5—I thought… That’s a bit high isn’t it?

Not high enough it turns out. Because Boston wound up winning the game by 40 points. And for a while there it seemed like it may get even more out of hand for Memphis.

Say what you want about this team… But they’re not ones to roll over in a game. And last night was no exception.

It’s only, this squad—in it’s current condition—doesn’t stand a chance. Not against more complete and more healthy teams.

Not when of the eight available guys you have see minutes… Six of them are on some combination of 2-ways and 10-day contracts. It’s going to be tough to be the best team in the NBA that way.

Did the game have high points? A couple. But it had a far significant amount more of low points. Still, here’s what stuck out of the muck for me in the contest… Dirty as it was.

Little(ish) Hoopers, Big(ish) Ask

Of the above mentioned six 2-ways and 10-days, two of those 2-ways are being utilized for point guards. Without Ja Morant, without Derrick Rose… Finding someone to handle the ball was slim pickings for a while.

Now? Well those two point guards are the most steadying thing on the team most nights. Jacob Gilyard and Scotty Pippen Jr. each have risen to the moment so far, all things considered. And when you think of the job that’s asked of them most nights?

It’s a big ask. But they’re answering the call.

Their biggest challenge has to be there height. As is, Gilyard—5’8″—and Pippen Jr.—6’1″—are shorter than myself. Still… Each are playing much higher than “how tall they are” I promise you that.

In fact last night the duo were two of Memphis’ best players on the court. Gilyard was good for 13 PTS, 2 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL with a 50.0% FG% and 42.9% 3PT%. Pippen Jr. was even mor impressive.

His 19 PTS were a team high for the Grizzlies, and he paired that with 6 REB, 4 AST, and 1 STL. But it’s been his shooting that’s continued to impress. Last night his shooting splits were 54.5/100.0/83.3%, which again… Team highs from the field and from beyond the arc.

The two guards are doing their best to keep Memphis a float with they’re minutes. Any blame for these losses? They should lay for away from Gilyard and Pippen Jr.’s feet make no mistake about it.

…The Rebound Leader Was Who?

Alright quick exercise… You’re familiar with the Grizzlies and Celtics rosters yes? Good. Now—gun to your head—who would you’ve guessed had the most rebounds in the game last night?

Kristaps Porzingis? Nope. Al Horford or Jayson Tatum? No. Luke Kornet? Nada. How about David Roddy? He rebounds the ball well right? Still no.

Now… If you said Tosan Evbuomwan? Ding ding you hit the nail right on the head!

That to say, I doubt any of you said Tosan Evbuomwan. I doubt you’d be able to guess his total boards too, so I’ll toss that out there—12. 12 rebounds. He was the only dude on the court with double digit rebounds last night.

In a game with all those names I mentioned above also snagging boards? That’s no easy feat.

Should we expect this double digit rebound performance to become a regular occurrence? Smart money says no. That’s not to say these games won’t happen again though.

Rebounding appears to be something that Tosan emphasizes in his game. Look at his 8.8 REB per game this season in 13 G-league games as evidence. I’m not saying that was a big reason Memphis signed him… But rebounding’s been a struggle for the Grizzlies all season. A guy with this skillset definitely helps.

Was Evbuomwan’s offense lacking? Oh yah, and that’s underselling it. 3 PTS is far from great. But.. You pair 3 PTS with a double digit rebounding performance in every game? I’ll take that… And I’d wager to say the Grizzlies would to.

Photo Credit: (Steven Senne/AP Photo)