The Memphis Grizzlies struggled from the floor in a 101-87 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday evening at FedExForum.
The Grizz (41-33) shot only 39.8 percent (33-of-83 FG) and were 31.6 percent from three-point range (6-of-19 3FG). The Spurs (62-12) knocked down 51.4 percent of their shots at a 37-of-72 clip, and were accurate on 33.3 percent of their three-pointers (5-of-15).
With both teams missing key players due to injury and rest, LaMarcus Aldridge took over the game. The forward scored a game-high 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting (68.8 percent) and also pulled down 13 rebounds to notch his 24th double-double of the season.
The Spurs jumped out to a 14-point lead 32-18 after the opening frame. Memphis turned it over seven times in the first 12 minutes, resulting in eight points for the Spurs. Aldridge scored 14 of his points in the first quarter on 5-of-6 shooting (83.3 percent).
They Grizzlies battled back in the second quarter, outscoring the Spurs 27-21 to get to a 53-45 deficit at the break. Vince Carter scored eight of his team-high 14 points in the second quarter. He finished the game with two threes and went 6-of-7 from the free throw line (85.7 percent).
Memphis tried to keep chipping away in the third, getting within six early, but were unable to get over the hump and the hot-shooting Spurs kept them at an arm’s length. As the teams entered the fourth quarter, the Spurs held a 68-81 advantage, and the Grizz never got closer than 11.
Former Spurs guard Ray McCallum finished in double digits with 10 points and also dished out four assists as the reserve point guard. Matt Barnes almost recorded a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.
JaMychal Green also finished in double digits in scoring with 12 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Grizzlies return to action on Wednesday when they host the Denver Nuggets. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and fans not in attendance can catch the game on 92.9 FM ESPN, or FOX Sports Southeast. -- By Jared Emerson
Next Game
The Grizzlies' homestand continues on Wednesday, March 30 when they take on the Denver Nuggets.
Key Stat of the Night
- San Antonio finished the first half shooting .647 from the field, which is the highest field goal percentage from a Grizzlies opponent this season surpassing the old mark set by the Spurs on Friday against Memphis… The Spurs finished the game shooting .514 overall and holding the Grizzlies to just .398 from the field…. San Antonio entered the game ranked second in the league in opponent field goal percentage (.435).
Key Runs of the Night
- The Spurs led the Grizzlies 11-9 with 6:49 remaining in the opening quarter before going on a 21-7 run to stretch their lead to 16 points (32-16) with 51.5 seconds left in the first quarter.
Team Quotes
Player Notes
- Vince Carter tallied a team-high 14 points and pulled down three rebounds coming off the bench.
- JaMychal Green notched 12 points to go with five rebounds and three assists.
- Matt Barnes registered 11 points, dished out three assists and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.
- From the bench, Ray McCallum collected 10 points and passed out a team-high four assists.
- LaMarcus Aldridge finished with a game-high 31 points and game-high 13 rebounds, recording his 24th double-double of the season… In the Grizzlies-Spurs last meeting on March 25, Aldridge notched 32 points and 12 rebounds... In two meetings over the last four days against the Grizzlies, Aldridge averaged 31.5 points and 12.5 rebounds.
- Kyle Anderson contributed 13 points and passed out a game-high seven assists to go with three rebounds.
- From the bench, Patty Mills collected 17 points to go with four assists, while Boris Diaw added 13 points and pulled down six rebounds.