Gasol and Randolph Lead Grizzlies Past Sixers

Memphis controlled the outcome of this game right from the opening tip tonight as the Grizzlies jumped out to a 9-2 advantage early in the 1^st Quarter and never looked back, defeating the Sixers 117-95. The Sixers lacked on the defensive end again tonight and couldn’t find any ways to stop the Memphis big-men, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. It was an okay night offensively for Philadelphia and they kept the game within 10 points for a while but it wasn’t enough. The loss extends the Sixers new losing streak to 3 games.

The defensive woes continue to haunt the Sixers as the Grizzlies put up 117 points tonight after giving up 125 points on Wednesday to Toronto. Everything looked easy for Memphis in this one and in fact every Grizzly who hit the floor also hit a bucket. Marc Gasol had a double-double with 10 rebounds to go along with his 21 points that led all scorers. Gasol really put the team on his back and carried them in this one. He surprised a lot of people with his athleticism. For a 7’1 265lb guy he can facilitate the ball and runs the floor extremely well. Zach Randolph also had a big double-double tonight for Memphis with 10 points along with 11 rebounds. The Memphis big boys down low controlled the glass throughout the whole game, out-rebounding the Sixers 49-36. The Grizzlies bench really showed up tonight and played well. Mike Miller accounted for 19 points and did what he usually does, hitting quite a few 3-pointers. Tony Allen had 15 points and backup Nick Calathes added 12 points coming off the bench. The Grizzlies spread the wealth in this win.

As for the Sixers offensively, they were led by former Grizzlies, Tony Wroten and Thaddeus Young, with 18 points apiece. Elliot Williams also had himself an impressive game with 13 points off the bench. It was a disappointing effort tonight from the Sixers as they battled for about 2 ½ Quarters before allowing Memphis to run away with the Win. The loss for the Sixers was their 3^rd straight and 5^th in their last 6 games.   

The homecoming for many of the Sixers did not go as planned. The Grizzlies practically ran them out of the gym in the 3^rd Quarter and that was all she wrote. The win was great news for Memphis fans as they now have sole possession of the 8 seed in the western conference playoff picture, barring what Phoenix does tonight vs San Antonio tonight.  The young Sixers squad looked dead late in this one tonight but will be back at it again tomorrow vs the playoff bound Charlotte Bobcats.  

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