February 20th, 2010
Nets Set for Grizzlies, Yi & Devin Say 'I'm In'
Coming off Friday's 106-89 loss to the Raptors, the Nets get a third shot at win No. 6 when they challenge the Grizzlies on Sunday at the IZOD Center (Buy Tickets). Memphis, which – despite losing eight of its last 10 games – sits 3 1/2 games back of Portland for the West's final playoff spot, has been one of the league's surprise teams this season.
The Grizzlies' resurgence has been led by All-Star forward Zach Randolph, who's averaging 20.4 points and 11.8 rebounds, which makes him one of only three players dropping 20-10 double-doubles on a nightly basis, along with Toronto's Chris Bosh and David Lee of the Knicks. The veteran 4 is supported up front by sophomore center Marc Gasol, who nearly averages a double-double of his own, posting 14.9 PPG and 9.4 RPG while blocking 1.6 shots per game. And small forward Rudy Gay, expected to be one of this summer's most-sought-after free agents, chips in 19.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals, often keeping opposing swingmen in check
In the backcourt, Mike Conley has provided a steady hand at the point, dishing a career-high 5.1 assists, while also sinking .419 of his three-point attempts. Fellow guard O.J. Mayo is a similarly dangerous shooter, averaging 17.7 PPG on .384 shooting from deep and .451 overall (.505 eFG%), but can slide over to the point if the Grizzlies want to go big (he stands 6'4).
Their most important bench player has been Sam Young, whom coach Lionel Hollins already feels comfortable deploying as a nuisance against opposing 2's and 3's. He gained a reinforcement in newly acquired swingman Ronnie Brewer, who comes over from the Jazz for a protected 2010 first-rounder, though he might be out for a while after injuring his hamstring on Friday. Also, veteran point guard Jamaal Tinsley has been solid (3.0 assists in 16.1 minutes per game) despite having missed more than a season-and-a-half before a buyout from the Pacers cleared him to move to Memphis.
Yi's Injuries A Nag
Yi Jianlian, dealing with shoulder and back injuries, has been mired in a shooting slump since tweaking his shoulder in the February 2nd home game against the Pistons, when he shot 1-of-12. Though Yi claims that the shoulder has improved, he took a shot to the back while contesting a rebound against the Bucks in the Nets' final game before the All-Star Break. For the month, he's averaged 8.2 points while making .311 of his shots in nine games, his first healthy stretch in single digits this season.
"Ever since two/three weeks ago when he hurt his shoulder, his shooting has been not great, obviously – there's no secret to that," said coach and GM Kiki Vandeweghe. "What young players have to know is there's other things they do can help the team. He's been rebounding, he has been doing that. The other problem – what compounds it – is we've got other guys who are struggling with their shot too."
Yi has found ways to compensate, averaging 8.0 rebounds in his last five games, including seven (along with three blocks) in Friday's loss to Toronto. Yi said he'll play as long as it feels good, motivated by the 24 games he's already missed this season. Though he's most affected turning and running, the forward says he doesn't think about it while shooting, and made a strong prediction if anyone expected a repeat of Friday's 2-for-13 performance:
"Not going to happen again."
That's got to be encouraging for those heading to the IZOD Center tomorrow to celebrate "An Evening of Chinese Culture," presented by Caesars Atlantic City, in association with Western Union and Vonage (More Info). In conjunction with the Chinese American Business Development Center will feature pregame, postgame and halftime entertainment by artists from mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
The festivities begin before the game with a dragon and lion dance, which is a traditional opening performance for good luck, followed by the introduction of the NETS players in Mandarin, continuing on through a 45-minute postgame concert.
Yi's aware of the important, knowing the game comes up annually, but blocks out the hoopla and focuses on the hoops.
I try and play hard every game, try to work hard in between," he said.
Devin, Not-So-Doubtful
If you had any angst about Devin Harris' late-game knee sprain costing him any time, there's this to consider:
"I'm playing," Harris said, at the conclusion of Saturday's practice.
End of conversation. Guess he's in.
--Posted by Ben Couch at 1:46 p.m.
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