Memphis, TN (SportsNetwork.com) – Marc Gasol led all five Grizzlies starters
in double figures with 16 points and 11 rebounds as Memphis stayed unbeaten
with a 93-81 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.
Gasol and Zach Randolph both provided double-doubles, with the latter
contributing 15 points and 11 boards, but the duo’s interior defense was the
bigger story in this one.
Gasol and Randolph limited Anthony Davis to 14 points and eight boards,
pedestrian totals from the lofty standards he set early this season. Davis was
averaging 28.5 points and 16.0 rebounds through two games coming in.
Tyreke Evans scored 21 points for the Pelicans, losers in two straight
following an opening night win.
The Grizzlies are 4-0 for the first time in franchise history.
Memphis never trailed in the first half and led 40-33 after a low-scoring
opening 24 minutes.
After Eric Gordon tied things at 48 with two free throws, the Grizzlies
rattled off 12 straight points to take control. Gasol scored eight during the
spurt, including a pair of three-point plays.
Ryan Anderson finally ended the Pelicans’ drought with a three-point play of
his own. The Pelicans then cut the margin to 60-54, but Memphis caught a
break when Evans missed an uncontested fastbreak layup. Vince Carter hit a
triple at the other end, and the lead was back to nine.
The spread was 64-56 after three, and the Grizzlies led by at least three the
rest of the way.
Game Notes
Tony Allen had 12 points and 11 rebounds for Memphis … Grizzlies shooting
guard Courtney Lee missed the game with a concussion … Memphis’ reserves
outscored their counterparts, 25-19. Through three games, they had been
outscored 124-51 … New Orleans had just two fastbreak points.
