Wins now not priority with Griz focusing on playoffs
Despite suffering their fourth loss in five games, the Grizzlies in no way believe they are in a funk with the playoffs looming. They are in the mode of fine-tuning for what promises to be a rugged firstround series against the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs.
“I wouldn’t say we’re truly exhaling,” Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley said Sunday after a 103-90 home loss to the Detroit Pistons. “We’re locked in and preparing for the Spurs. We’re trying to get all of our guys on the right page and in the right mind for what needs to be done to win a series.”
The Grizzlies struck a balance between maintaining rhythm and finding rest with their dominant players. Then, Sunday evening at FedExForum turned into an NBA Development League-quality game.
End-of-the-bench lineups made the fourth quarter extensive garbage time.
Memphis began the game with its normal starting lineup. Conley led the first unit with 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Marc Gasol had 13 points and five assists while JaMychal Green added 12 points and seven rebounds.
Memphis rookies Deyonta Davis, Wade Baldwin and second-year forward Jarell Martin received playing time after no starter logged more than 25 minutes. The Grizzlies led by 12 points in the first half with the starters mostly responsible for 58 percent shooting with Who: Memphis vs. Dallas Mavericks When, where: 7 p.m. Wednesday, FedExForum TV, radio: Fox Sports Southeast; WMFS 92.9 FM/680 AM just five turnovers.
“We looked sharp. I thought we really brought a good intensity to the game,” Grizzlies coach David Fizdale said. “I thought we respected our opponent. The areas we are really trying to focus in on I thought we paid real close attention to, so I was happy with that.”
Grizzlies veteran swingman Tony Allen agreed, saying they experimented with schemes to use in the postseason.
“We paid attention to detail, we executed offensively and we were just practicing some behind the scenes schemes that we are going to use in the playoffs,” Allen said. “That goes along with paying attention to detail. I like how we executed on both ends.”
Memphis played without Zach Randolph, who was given the night off. Detroit rested guard Reggie Jackson.
Reggie Bullock’s 14 points paced the Pistons.
Detroit used the long ball bury the Grizzlies in a 75-67 hole entering the fourth quarter. The Pistons connected on 14 shots from beyond the arc.
Bullock’s 3-pointer gave the Pistons a 66-65 lead late in the third period. The Pistons outscored the Grizzlies 27-10 in the third quarter. Memphis committed nine of its 15 turnovers in the third.
Detroit shot 50 percent in the period while Memphis made just 3 of 13 shots.
“We were playing hard. The ball just has to go in, and we finally started making some shots and the game looks a lot different when the ball starts going in the basket,” Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said. “In the first half they were making threes and looked really good. Then the second half we were making them. You have to be able to shoot the ball and that’s been a major issue with us.”
Fizdale stressed he doesn’t see major issues with the Grizzlies because of the game’s outcome.
“We knew coming into this game, even if we played our guys at full minutes, the Pistons are no pushovers,” Fizdale said. “They were all part of that race to get into the playoffs as well. Stan is as good a coach in this league as anybody. I really consider him a top-tier head coach. We knew they were going to come in here and play hard and execute his stuff because he wouldn’t settle for anything less. Whether our guys played full minutes or not, we knew Detroit would come in here and play a good game.”
Reach Ronald Tillery at Ronald.Tillery@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @CAGrizBeat.