The Memphis Grizzlies keep returning from halftime and imposing their style on opponents.
With an emphasis on defense and pressure to increase the pace, Memphis again used a strong third quarter to beat the New Orleans Hornets 96-85 on Saturday night.
”I think our focus coming out of halftime, understanding what we need to adjust, then going out and executing it, has been phenomenal,” said guard Mike Conley, who led Memphis scorers with 22 points.
”We came in the locker room and said: ‘We have to do this, that and this,’ and we go out there and do it.”
Conley, who also had eight assists, led seven Memphis players in double figures as the Grizzlies won their fourth straight. Tony Allen had 14 points, while Tayshaun Prince and Quincy Pondexter scored 13 points apiece. Ed Davis had 12 points, nine rebounds and matched his career best with five blocks.
Davis, who came to Memphis in the three-team deal that sent Grizzlies leading scorer Rudy Gay to Toronto on Jan. 30, said he is becoming more comfortable in his new surroundings and that the Grizzlies’ defensive mindset allows him to roam more on defense.
— Reported by Clay Bailey of the Associated Press
