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NBA -- Grizzlies make strong playoffs push out West
By Jeremy Zuniga
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 09 Mar 2014
CHICAGO --- If the NBA playoffs were to start today, the Memphis Grizzlies would not make the cut.
But since the postseason doesn't start until April 19, the Grizzlies have a lot of time to gain ground. And the way they're playing right now, chances are, they will make the Top 8 in the Western Conference.
With a 35-26 won-lost record, the Grizzlies are currently ranked No.9, just a nose behind No.8-ranked Dallas Mavericks (37-26) and the 36-25 Phoenix Suns, who sit in the No.7 spot. The Golden State Warriors are No.6 at 39-24.
Last night at the United Center, the Grizzlies flexed some of the muscle that makes them a scary match-up in the playoffs. They triumphed over Chicago, 85-77, beating the Bulls in their own game, which is rebounding and old-fashioned physical defense.
After missing a chunk of games with left knee issues, 7-foot center Marc Gasol has recaptured his old form. He anchored Memphis' interior defense while getting 18 points and 10 rebounds. Mike Conley was his usual steady self, clocking in with 12 markers and 7 dimes.
The Grizzlies have won 8 of their last 11 assignments and they remain one of the league's tough road warriors with a 17-12 slate.
"They outplayed us. They're a tough team. Gasol and Z-Bo (Randolph) are a handful don there. And I think Tony Allen really was the difference in the game. He just disrupted everything out there with his defense. Everyone stepped up. Mike Miller was hitting shots.
"We fought hard. You have t give credit where credit is due. They're a physical team and definitely were on us in the second half," Bulls forward Joakim Noah told reporters after Memphis held them to 31-of 75 from the field (41.3 percent) and 2-for-15 from 3-point country (15.4 percent).
The Grizzlies hope to take their momentum back home at the FedEx Forum in Memphis where host the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday and the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. (JZ)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Jeremy Zuniga.
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