The Grizzlies wrapped up a 4 game road trip, that saw them travel over 3500 miles, against the Heat with an emphatic 105-96 win! Home will be a sight for sore eyes as the Grizz went 2-2 on the trip but tonight’s win will help ease some of the woes. Vince Williams Jr once again showed why the Grizzlies took a chance on him with the big contract racking up 25 points and having another maniacal night on defense. Vince was constantly plaguing Herro, Butler, and Scary Terry in his Heat debut all over the court. Williams was the spark that drove the engine tonight in the big win on both ends by being all over the floor from start to finish.
GG Jackson was back in a major way with 17 points off the bench on 55% from the field. GG was his usual self attacking the rim, altering shots, and helping the Grizz do enough to win. While ugly on the offensive side once again, it was refreshing to see the team move the ball so well tonight against one of the East’s premier teams. As the Heat tried to step in passing lanes, cutters were open in the paint and the ball never stopped moving. The Grizzlies did just enough to stop late runs by the Heat in the fourth quarter.
The story of the night, however, was Vince Williams Jr once again. He was a career high 5-6 from 3 and set the tone early on both ends of the court. He was 8-10 from the field, had 4 assists and 5 rebounds, once again making big plays when the team needed him the most. Since getting his contract he has been on a tear, earning another start, and fueling a win when Jaren didn’t have his best stuff. Jaren Jackson Jr finished with 15 on 5-21 shooting, a forgettable night for the franchise player. Scottie Pippen Jr got his debut minutes tonight adding 15 points off the bench with 6 assists and helped pace the second unit well. Have the Grizz found a serviceable back up point guard in the Hall of Famer’s son? Time will tell but you couldn’t have asked for a better debut for Pippen.
The Grizzlies finished at 47.2% from beyond the arc, to Miami’s 33.3%. The Grizz lead by as much as 14 and the game was never really in doubt after halftime, in spite of some late runs. The Grizzlies looked like the scrappy team we have come to love by taking it to the Heat on their home court and getting a much needed win to close out the road trip in a gritty way.
The Grizzlies return home on Friday night to face the Orlando Magic with a 7pm tip.