Yachting Gasol brothers is the most NBA off-season photo ever.

Via: Daily Mail

Everything about this photo is perfect. Splash news (which is totally a real thing), Marc Gasol's socks, Pau Gasol's butt crack, and their increase in body composition. There really isn't a better off-season photo, at least not yet.

Via: TBJ

Gregg Popovich is really worried about "turnovers" in his interview.

Considering the Spurs gave up the ball 8 times to the Grizzlies for a total of 8 steals in the first quarter, I think Coach Pop's answer is very appropriate.

Via: BLS

Tim Duncan's kick ball return to Marc Gasol's face.

BOOMSHAKALAKA. Via: SB Nation

Okay, Tim. I know the UEFA Cup was on earlier before your game, but a western conference finals game on the road, is not the right place and right time to practice your kick.

Memphis Grizzlies "We Don't Bluff" Anthem.

Great, as if "WHOAAAAA, I JUST WANT TO FEEL THIS MOMENT," and "Cause all we got is right now," wasn't enough. I am disappointed in you, NBA.

Random NBA .GIF of the Day: Nick Collison fails miserably to euro-step around Marc Gasol.

Good job, good effort. Via: SB Nation

How dare you enter the mouth of the beast with an offensive move that came from the continent of his origin? Silly Americans. (It's funny, because I am Canadian, but not really, considering the amount of Canadian talent produced. Please save us from this hockey hole, Andrew Wiggins. Our desperation is at an all time high.)

Random NBA .GIF of the Day: Kendrick Perkins's flop on Marc Gasol.

WHO SHOT HIM? Via: @cjzero

Considering how good Nick Collison was last night against the Grizzlies, I highly doubt Memphis hired a sniper to take down Kendrick Perkins, because the real target is little bit more to the right. Which leaves his teammates as the only possible remaining suspects. Scott Brooks's loyalty to his veterans might have cost the Thunder a few games, but you guys didn't have to shoot him, even if it is a great salary move for the future. 

Marc Gasol does not like to be touched.

Via: @cjzero

This is the face of a man that has just seen the ghost of Derek Fisher, God knows how therapy session he would have to go through before he can forget this traumatic, near-death experience. Pray for Marc.

Kevin Durant's game winning dagger against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Not to rain on Kevin Durant's cold blooded I-just-hit-the-game-winning-jumper-in-your-face walk off parade, but Derek Fisher holding out his fist for a dap, followed by Scott Brooks' rescue, is easily the best moment of the game.

Chris Paul fakes out the entire Memphis Grizzlies squad with a behind the back dribble.

Be right back, I am just going to spend the next 24 hours learning this move. And if this is like any of the other dribble moves I have tried to copy, this will definitely end well. Pray for me.

Random NBA .GIF of the Day: Chris Paul Does Not Like Marc Gasol.

Via: SB Nation

Hey, play nice, you guys. I know there is bad blood between the Gasols and Chris Paul, but Chris doesn't have to foul him with a full on two hand slap. TOUCH HIS HEAD, MARC, DO IT.

Random NBA .GIF of the Day: Marc Gasol Spanks Himself.

Via: @cjzero

Ladies..... RRREEEEEMMMIIIIIXXXXX. (Also via: @cjzero)

NBA Playoffs Day 3 Round Up - April 23rd, 2013.

Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images

Los Angeles Clippers 93 - Memphis Grizzles 91

They left 14 seconds on clock. The game was tied at 91 a piece. Memphis just executed the perfect pick and roll for the Marc Gasol bucket. One mistake. They left way too much time on the clock. As the buzzer sounds and players take the court for the final possession, there was a familiar feeling in the air. Chris Paul weaves past the defense to shed his initial defender. No use. He stuck to him like bee protecting his hive. One hesitation. Two hesitation. Nothing. Tony Allen had him where he wanted. Except he did not account for his immobilized help. Left with the smallest amount of space imaginable, Chris took the final drive. The ball hits glass and gently falls into the basket. The backboard lights up. The crowd explode in to cheers. The game was over. The point god stood on the side without a single sweat on his face. The Los Angeles Clippers have won. The heads of the Grizzlies lowers in disappointment. They will head home down 2 games, with the opportunity to return favor.

Game notes: Blake Griffin set the tone early, scoring 13 of his total 21 points (9-18) in the first quarter. Using pure athleticism to run circles around Zach Randolph. Blake also finished with 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

Even though it felt like the Clippers had control for the most part of this game, Memphis was always in winning distance. They were down 12 with 9 minutes in the 4th quarter, and still fought back to make things interesting down the stretch.

Chris Paul was the only Clipper to score in the last 7 minutes, scoring 8 of the team's final 10.

Mike Conley Jr. was absolutely brilliant in this game. He had a playoff career high 28 points on 9 of 18 shooting, and 9 assists. He's great for the Memphis team, but I can't help to imagine how much better he could be, on a team that is capable of running. He is devastating in transition.

The Memphis defense in the final play was all sorts of wrong. Tony Allen should have forced Chris to the left. And there is no reason to not help off of Matt Barnes in the case that Tony does need help. Also Lionel Hollins benched Z-Bo in the final 5 minutes after getting his fifth foul. Darell Arthur was great for those 2 minutes, but it wasn't particularly a wise move.

Chicago Bulls 90 - Brooklyn Nets 82

After an embarrassing blow out loss on Saturday night, the Chicago Bulls regrouped in typical Tom Thibodeau Chicago Bulls fashion in the second game to even up the series. The game itself wasn't pretty but the stifling Chicago defense that held the Brooklyn Nets to 35 percent shooting, was something to behold. The Brooklyn backcourt comprised of Deron Williams and Joe Johnson were completely rendered useless, combining for 25 points on 27 shots, which is kind of amazing when consider the fact that Kirk Hinrich and Nate Robinson were responsible for the two for the majority of the game. Brook Lopez did the most of the damage for the Nets, going for 21 points (7 of 14) and 5 rebounds. It should also be noted that Nazr Mohammed from Cretaceous Period, played actual minutes and was productive in all 18 with 8 points on 4 of 5 shooting, so there's that. The return of Joakim Noah was huge in this one, registering a double-double of 11 points and 10 boards. I am very aware that he was present in the first game, but the 13 minutes of limping in that loss wasn't exactly his best game. Noah's defensive presence was especially felt in the second half, including the 11 point third quarter allowed to the Nets and a number of incredible hustle plays down the stretch that sealed the win.

Nets' Third Quarter Shot Chart Via: CBS Eye On Basketball

Marc Gasol uses his shoe to knock the ball out of Derrick Favors's hands.

Marc Gasol is so much better at basketball than you that even when he tries to intentionally whack a guy with his shoe, he still manages to strip the ball clean before the said shoe hits Favors in the mid section. Now how he actually got the his shoe back in the first place to commit such a foul, is beyond me. By the looks of the video, Tony Allen still had the shoe in his hand at the 9:19 mark, but Gasol already has it returned to his hands by 9:17, what is this tomfoolery?

Via: @cjzero

The Round Up - January 31st, 2013.

Stats Rundown + Short Recap

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: This game was over as soon as it started, the Grizzlies had only dressed 9 players, as their new acquired pieces have not arrived in time for the game. Shorthanded, and discombobulated after losing Rudy Gay, Memphis allowed the Thunder to score 32 points in the first quarter. The contest however, would get close in the third. After an intrasquad fight between Russell Westbrook and Thabo Sefolosha, Scott Brooks benched his superstar point guard to calm him down. In the absence of Westbrook, Memphis cut a 25 point lead into 10, but that would be as close as they would get. Jerryd Bayless, in the place of Rudy Gay, led the team with 23 points (9 of 17) and 6 assists. Marc Gasol added 16 points and 7 rebounds. For OKC, Kevin Durant had a game-high 27 points on 10 of 16 shooting, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. While Russell got 21 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists.

Play Action: Nick Collison has more than one trick in his sleeve.

Palms: It must be nice to have big hands.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors: Dallas never led once in this game, but they did keep it close through out the entire game. Klay Thompson exploded for 27 points (11 of 18), hitting everything in sight early. David Lee was going to get a triple double, but he would fall short of an assists in his 15 points, 20 rebounds and 9 assists effort. So instead he has to settle for his 30th double double of the season, closing in on Zach Randolph for first place. In the 4th quarter, Golden State went scoreless for 4 minutes plus, allowing the Mavs to go on a 13-0 to tie the game up with 3 minutes left. Unfortunately, their charge ended there and the Warriors would hold on for the win. O.J Mayo scored a team-high 25 points on 8 of 13 shooting to go with his 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Shawn Marion chipped in for 18 points and 17 rebounds.

Museum Figurines: Someone must have dug up the fossils of Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson from 300 B.C., revived them and put them in a basketball game. Apparently, they can still dunk.

As expected, having not played basketball for about 2000 years, Vince Carter was a little bit rusty.

Richard Jefferson looked pretty good though.

The Round Up - January 28th, 2013.

Stats Rundown

Australian Warrior: In his first game back from his ankle injury, Andrew Bogut dropped 12 points (6 of 8), and grabbed 8 rebounds in 24 minutes of play. David Lee led the Warriors with 21 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Bad news for the Warriors, Stephen Curry tweaked his ankle again, it doesn't seem to be serious, but a recurring injury does raise concerns. A unlikely hero appeared for the Raptors, Aaron Gray, the Raptors' own Andrew Bogut scored a career high 22 points on 9 of 12 shooting, and took down 10 boards. However his efforts would be wasted, as the Warriors would win. They outscored Toronto 62 to 34 in the paint, which basically never happens.

Close One: With the Indiana Pacers down 2 in the last 40 seconds against the Denver Nuggets, David West scored a huge basket off of his offensive rebound to tie the game up at 101 a piece. Down the floor, Danilo Gallinari, who scored a game high 27 points (9 of 16) would get blocked by Paul George on his ill-advised jump shot, to give the ball back to the Pacers. Unfortunately, Indiana came out of their time out without a play, giving Paul George the hard task of scoring against Andre Iguodala, one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. As you would have guessed, things would start to go downhill for the man with two first names, as he gets ball stolen by AI and later fouls him on a lob attempt, that rewarded his opponent with the game winning free throw.

Black Panther: Looks like Deron Williams has finally found his shooting touch. In the 20 point blowout win over the Orlando Magic, the point guard went for 20 points on 8 of 12 shooting, and 9 assists in 34 minutes of playing time. The Nets might have won, but Orlando would get the last laugh.

Andray Blatche will always be funny.

Pizza Guy: Isiah Thomas stays representing for the little guys. He had 22 points (9 of 16), 4 rebounds, 7 assists and the biggest basket of them all.

Blast-Off: The Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 125 to 80 at Salt Lake City. James Harden had 25 points (8 of 15), 3 rebounds and 3 assists to hand the Jazz the biggest loss at home in franchise history. Before this happened, they have never lost by more than 33 in their turf. Omer Asik singlehandedly out-rebounded the entire Utah starting squad with 19 boards in the win.

The Beard takes flight.

Oso: Marc Gasol is still pretty furious about getting snubbed in the All Star votes, so he decided to vent his anger against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Spaniard went off for 27 points (10 of 15), 7 rebounds, 7 assists and a block on Nick Young in the last few seconds of the game to seal the win. Rudy Gay added 26 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Jerryd Bayless filled in for Mike Conley with 21 points and 9 assists. Evan Turner of the Sixers had a pretty good game as well, he got 27 points on 12 of 18 shooting and 7 assists in the loss.

Joakim Woah: The Bulls' All Star center has gone for 15+ rebounds in 4 straight games, something no Bull has done since Rodman in 1998. He grabbed 18 last night to go with his 13 points, 7 assists and 5 blocks in the win against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Highlights

Launch Failed: Derrick Favors will not allow the Greg Smith shuttle to reach its desired destination.

Boom: Carlos Boozer, the NBA's most athletic looking, unathletic guy still has a little hop in his step. Watch for his younger, skinnier twin on the bench cheering, it's crazy.

Notes: Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs [12/01/12]

San Antonio Spurs 99 - Memphis Grizzlies 95

The Good

Spurs: Tony Parker is a genius. What he does on the basketball court defies everything the NBA once was. This is your run of a mill 6 foot 2 point guard, not particularly athletic or has outstanding play making ability, yet he still dominates this game. He is a genius because he fully understands the game of basketball, has the experience that earned him Championships and knows how to win.

Tony is well aware with his abilities, he is quick off the dribble, a proficient finisher at the rim and a consistent mid range shooter. More importantly, you will never see him go beyond his skills set. And the Spurs already have that in Manu Ginobili, another one would make Coach Pop go bald. Part of what makes him great is that his teammates also recognizes those qualities and amplify them.

San Antonio made Mike Conley Jr. and the rest of the Memphis Grizzlies chase after Tony Parker the entire game. There is nobody in the NBA better at utilizing screens like the 4 time All Star, once he rids of Conley (or other Memphis guards), the slow footed big that follows will only see back of his jersey as he gently lays the ball into the hoop.

Tim Duncan remains incredibly efficient and is posting the best numbers out of his past 3 seasons. He scored 21 of his 27 points in just the first half, cleverly taking advantage of the Spurs spacing. DeJuan Blair gets a shout out for being probably the best Zach Randolph stopper, his pure strength, weight, width and footwork are a perfect match.

Credit to Coach Pop for going to small late, Patty Mills, and Matt Bonner gave San Antonio much needed three point scoring. Everyone needs stop what they are doing right now and give Matt Bonner some love. Who would have thought the Red Rocket had the defensive ability to guard Zach Randolph down the stretch. Gary Neal was a big part of the comeback, scored 10 points in the fourth to bring this game into overtime.


Grizzlies: If you looked at the box score for this game and ignore the final score. There was no way you would have thought Memphis actually led by more than 10 points and kept it close throughout the contest. Simply put, this was an ugly game, neither team shot over 42 percent from the field (San Antonio - 42 percent, Memphis - 36 percent) and the Grizzlies made the best out of it. The only notable highlight of the offense was Mike Conley Jr. and Marc Gasol's two man game. They ran a simple pick and pop that made the paint packing Spurs pay.

On the defensive end, they played fantastic individual defense with the exception of Conley, who we all know by now, got killed by Tony Parker.  After letting Duncan get 21 in the first half, they came back to hold him to 6 points by adjusting their rotations and help defense.


The Bad

Spurs: Manu Ginobili has not been himself to start this season. Yes, he did hit the three pointer to bring the game into overtime, but he is averaging a career low in field goal percentage (40 percent) and the lowest points per game since his rookie season. He had 6 of San Antonio's 18 turnovers. Luckily, Memphis didn't take care of the ball too well either, losing it 20 times. I wasn't kidding when I said this game was ugly.

Grizzlies: The groin injury of Tony Allen. He would have been the solution to Tony Parker. According to NBA advanced stats, the point guard doesn't do too well against this Tony. To add to the personnel woes, the Memphis bench was terribly inefficient, they shot 8 for 28 from the field and did not hold up on the other end. Memphis's transition defense in the first half was a joke. It is not an understatement when I say that Tony Parker repeatedly out ran the entire team from end to end. He looked like he was LeBron James on a fast break. Speaking which, the Grizzlies allowed 22 fast break points.I am not sure how many second chance points the Spurs actually have, but I am certain they scored off every offensive rebound.

Memphis desperately needs a consistent outside threat because they can not find any space for Zach Randolph to operate. Tough night for Z-Bo, if he wasn't forced to throw up a contested shot, he was missing open layups.

Notes: Los Angeles Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies [11/23/12]

I decided to do away with the feed, and start a new series. Where I will break down the good and the bad for both teams in a specific game.

Memphis Grizzlies 106 - Los Angeles Lakers 98

The Good:

Grizzlies: Mike Conley and Marc Gasol tore the Lakers apart, the two man game they played was beautiful and executed to perfection. Marc Gasol is the ideal complimentary big man, on pick and rolls, he can pop out for an easy 15 to 18 footer or roll hard for the lay in. His passing ability benefits Conley, they ran simple give and go plays, where Marc stood at the top of the key and always found the cutting point guard. 

The defense was active in most stretches, they gambled a lot by over helping on Dwight Howard, which did make the indecisive center to rush his shots. In the fourth quarter, he finally capitalized on the help and found the open shooters (the Lakers got 3 three pointers in a row, which counted for the 3 assists he had in total).

Lakers: Not too much. The team did hit 12 three pointers to keep themselves in the game. Antawn Jamison (16 points) came back to life, giving the bench some needed scoring. Kobe Bryant did Kobe Bryant things in late game, knocked down tough jumpers, got to the free throw line and finished with 30 points.

Besides Dwight Howard's presence that made the Memphis bigs hesitate before making their move, there was absolutely nothing good about the Lakers defense.

The Bad:

Both teams gave up a lot of points on turnovers. Memphis' 17 paved way for 24 points and LA's 18 for 29.

Grizzlies: This game went away from the post too early. Obviously Dwight Howard played in to that equation, but when Zach Randolph had Antawn Jamison in position there is no reason to not get the ball to him. I thought Marc Gasol was too willing to pass early, he should have went to work more.

The gambling on defense might not have been necessary, Grizzlies are a pretty solid individual defensive team, they were fortunate that the Lakers didn't use it to their advantage until the fourth.

Lakers: The Los Angeles Lakers features one of the best front courts in the NBA, yet the team only scored 24 points in the paint, compared to the 40 by their opponents. It amazes me, how this is a problem. They have refused over and over again to go to the post, Dwight (7 points) had only 7 shot attempts in the 39 minutes he played. What is even more amazing was that in one possession, Darius Morris decided against re-posting their star center and instead take Conley on the baseline to put up a miserable attempt. Howard is at fault too, I know he may not be 100 percent recovered from the back injury, but if he settles for one more lay up or short hook, Laker fans better be ready for disappointment. He has to dunk the ball, he can't shoot free throws, so why not get the damn basket. At this point, I am starting to agree with Shaq, which either means I am spiraling towards insanity or you are not playing like you are suppose to.

About Pau Gasol, well this sums it quite nicely:

Like I said earlier, Kobe Bryant did Kobe Bryant things, and it was not exactly a good thing. He shot 7 for 23 from the field, and he basically decided to play hero ball in the fourth. I just don't think he trusts his teammates, he kept jacking the first shot available against Tony Allen's tough defense and complained for fouls on the shots he missed.

So far, the Mike D'Antoni pace offense is not there, not the speed nor the pick and roll game. I am certain I did not see a single successful pick and roll, where the screener finished with the basket, hopefully Steve Nash will fix it (His return have not even been determined, as a matter of fact, he can't even jog yet).

Their defense is incredibly terrible. I don't think the guys standing in the perimeter, in front of their assignment can actually move. It is a good thing they have Dwight Howard though.

The Feed: Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies [11/19/12]

Recap:

The Denver Nuggets edged out the Memphis Grizzlies for a 97 to 92 victory that snapped Memphis's 8 game winning streak. The Grizzlies that lived in the paint and grabbed every single rebound just got outworked by the Nuggets. They gave up 50 points in the paint and allowed Denver to grab 47 boards, 21 of which were offensive. Where as Memphis only had 12 offensive rebounds of their total 33.

The Nuggets defense held the Grizzlies starting front court to only 28 points. Zach Randolph (12 points (6 of 15 shooting) and 13 rebounds) didn't even get to the free throw line once and his partner, Marc Gasol (16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists) was not given enough touches (only 7 shots attempted).

Despite the early season struggles, Danilo Gallinari finally found his shooting stroke today, leading his team with a game high 26 points and 5 rebounds. Javale McGee added 15 points and 8 rebounds off the bench. Denver's second unit combined for 34 points, outscoring the opposing bench by 11.

Down in the first half, the Grizzlies fought back with a 11-2 run that re-inserted themselves back into the game. However, in the final minutes of play, they suffered a drought, and allowed the Nuggets to end the game on a 8-0 run. Memphis had an opportunity to take the lead in less than a minute to play. In a 1 point deficit, Rudy Gay was forced into a bad pass by Andre Iguodala. The costly turnover turned into a game sealing three pointer on the other end by Gallinari.

Offensive End:

Memphis failed to consistently post up their big guys, if they don't get 20 points from at least one big, they are unlikely to win. The usual open shot from a kick out in the post just didn't fall. Their bench have finally returned to Earth, and the spectacular three point shooting in the 8 game winning streak crumbled. They did score 29 points on the Nuggets' 17 turnovers.

Denver survived off the charity stripe, hitting 20 of their 28 attempts. Gallo was aggressive to the basket and earned 10 points off the line. The offensive rebounding led to quite a bit of points. When this team pushes the tempo, they are at their best. In the half court, only Andre Miller can find something, Ty Lawson could not help his team on offense in any way.

Kenneth Faried's overall activity on both ends on the floor is amazing, he never stops moving, has great ball awareness and is the only person that can go toe to toe with Zach Randolph in rebounds.

Defensive End:

The Grizzlies transition defense was awful, they allowed easy layups and scrambled to find their defender.  Although Ty Lawson did not do much damage, he got to weave inside paint without any pressure. The lack of boxing out is very unlike this Grizzlies team, 21 offensive rebounds for the Nuggets is just unacceptable.

The Nuggets did a great job of collapsing on the Memphis front court, if it wasn't for the terrible perimeter shooting from the Grizzlies, they might not have pulled out with the victory. Kosta Koufos is a solid post defender, and Javale McGee was there to help.

George Karl tinkered with his line-ups during the game, defensively McGee and Koufos was the best. It was weird when he inserted his small line up that included neither of the above players, but he realized it early and made the substitution.

The Feed: New York Knicks vs. Memphis Grizzlies [11/16/12]

Recap:

The Memphis Grizzlies sits on top of the NBA with the 105 to 95 victory over the the New York Knicks, for their seventh consecutive win. The overwhelming size of the Grizzlies, bullied the smaller Knicks in the low post, ending New York's undefeated record. Marc Gasol led all scorers with 24 points and 7 rebounds. His front court partner, Zach Randolph added 20 points and 15 rebounds.

Memphis obliterated New York in offensive boards, cashing in 22 points on 12 of them, where as the Knicks scored only 12 points on 10 of them. Both teams shot well in this game, they shot at a field goal percentage of 60 to start and about 50 to end. The only difference was that the Grizzlies got another method for points. They got sent to charity stripe 32 times, and knocked down 26 of those shots (Knicks scored 16 of 21 from the free throw line).

The godsend gift to the Knicks have been revoked. Their scorching 43 percent three point shooting have dropped to 26 percent tonight, adding itself to the long list of offensive struggles. It definitely didn't help when their leading scorer Carmelo Anthony (20 points, 7 of 14 shooting) got in foul trouble early in the third quarter and having to sit for the rest of it. Just to watch Memphis go on a 19 to 1 run, that established a lead the Knicks never managed to comeback from.

New York did give the Grizzlies a scare in the fourth quarter, picking up their defensive intensity that led to a 12 to 3 run. They would eventually cut the lead that was once 21 points to 8, but it was the closest they ever go.

Offensive End:

In the first half, the Grizzlies did not go to their usual post up game early, instead they ran a very effective pick and roll with Mike Conley Jr.. This versatile set, allowed Conley to do what ever he wanted. If he gets doubled off the screen in the key, he can easily kick it out to a big, that can hit a mid range shot on a consistent basis. If not he could penetrate or find the roller (advantage from size) for more buckets.

In the second half, Memphis resumed their old play, punishing the Knicks with Marc Gasol's crafty moves. New York has a problem at the four if they have to defend a bigger guy like Gasol. Carmelo have no chance against Marc.

New York came out to play hot potato. They moved the ball quick and made the extra passes. Their off ball movement, combined with their off ball screens did some damage early in the game. Carmelo has developed in his willingness to pass, he tries to attack the basket more often than settling for a jump shot. I think LeBron really influenced him, Melo is probably not happy that his fellow 2003 draft pick got the ring before him, so he inspired to work harder on both ends of the floor. 

The Knicks offense became stagnant once Melo left with foul trouble, they over dribbled, stopped passing and just could not hit a shot. Without a guy that can draw multiple defenders on him, the Grizzlies took advantage.

Melo killed Rudy Gay in the isolation play, his strength always created enough space for his shot to fall over the long out stretched arms of the Memphis swing man.

I don't know if it would have held up, but they should have went to Rasheed more in the post. He got 10 points in the first half, just destroying his man in the low block. He should have remained down there, but he decided to stand outside to shoot in the second half.

Defensive End:

Memphis defense is solid, they rotate well and can get out to the shooters quick enough just to bother it. If you want to see how boxing out is done properly, please watch what the Grizzlies front court do. They are so good with their timing and positioning, it feels like every single ball willingly falls right into their hands.

New York was alright on the defensive end. They didn't give the 100 percent effort like they did in their undefeated streak. The Knicks really need to work on fronting the post, they were absolutely terrible. Either getting out-positioned or just not trying to do it at all. Rasheed is the laziest defender on the team, at one point he got Mike Conley Jr. off a switch, and decided to taunt him, instead of actually getting out to defend him. It resulted in three points and whole lot of trash talking.

Just a fact I picked up from this game, the Knicks are annoying good at stripping the ball and Jason Kidd can somehow always get his hands on them cleanly.

Notes:

• For all the amazing SHEED moments, please check out the Round Up, you won't be disappointed.
• New York got a lot of technical fouls in this game, I think J.R. Smith, Melo, Coach Woodson and SHEED got one each. 
• J.R. Smith and Jerrd Bayless almost threw down, which would have resulted in the least interesting fight ever. 

The Feed: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder [11/14/12]

Recap:

The Memphis Grizzlies took out the Oklahoma City Thunder, 107 to 97 for their sixth consecutive win in the season. I hate to do this early in the season, but I am going tell you right now that the Memphis Grizzlies are a force to be reckoned with. The rest of the league can not let them fly under their radar, because this healthy Grizzlies team will make you work if you want to come out top.

OKC had Memphis on ropes in beginning, going off for 30 points in the first quarter, shooting 53 percent from the field. Fueled by the notoriously loud crowd in the Chesapeake Energy Arena, the Thunder held the Grizzles to only 33 percent from the field in that quarter. However, everything changed in the second.

The Grizzlies retaliated in the second quarter, outscoring the Thunder 36 to 15. The Memphis bench sparked a 16-6 run, completely dominating their opponent's second unit on both ends on the floor (The Memphis bench finished with 31 points to OKC's 13). Oklahoma City did not do themselves any favors, coughing up 8 turnovers (15 total) to contribute to a lead that they would never return from.

They had no answers for Rudy Gay, who went for 28 points (12 of 21 shooting), 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Zach Randolph added 20 points and 8 rebounds. The Grizzlies got help from everyone on the team, they were certainly not short on fire power tonight.

Kevin Durant (34 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks) had to carry his team, with the exception of Serge Ibaka (17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks), nobody could find points in the second half. Russell Westbrook did not have a good night, 17 points on 6 of 19 shooting, and a surprising 13 assists. The Thunder made late runs down the stretch, but Memphis's ability to repeatedly disrupt any slight momentum shifts held off OKC charge.

Offensive End:

Rudy Gay killed Thabo Safolosha, the height difference alone, allowed Rudy to take any shot he wanted. The Memphis post up game could not be contained, combined with their unselfish ball movement, the Grizzlies got a lot of open shots.

Both teams were great in transition, neither were stoppable.

If Kevin Durant decides to score the basketball, no one can stop him. Besides the usual high pick and roll, dribble penetration, drawing attention with stars to kick out, the only thing that stood out in the Thunder's offense was Ibaka's 15 foot jumper, with Zach consistently helping in the interior, Serge had the free pass all game.

Defensive End:

Serge Ibaka's timing is impecacble, he can block anything. His help defense threw the Memphis bigs off in the beginning, they had to do a triple pump fake just to shake him off.

Memphis did the little things to force those 15 turnovers. Marc Gasol drew so many charges in this game, he fell down in just about every other play. The size of the Grizzlies bothered Russell Westbrook. He never managed to get past that wall, it tuned him out of his driving game.

 Notes:

• Z-Bo and Kendrick Perkins got thrown out for what seemed to be some trash talking. Allegedly there were scuffle between them after the game that involved police investigation. It was confirmed later that there weren't actually any police involved. That is all according to twitter, so I don't really know what went down.