Just about the only reason to watch the Grizzlies right now is rookie guard O.J. Mayo, who scored 30 points in Saturday's loss to the Thunder.
It was the fourth time this season he has scored 30 or more points, and he's scored more than 20 in 10 of 17 games. Mayo, now averaging 21.9 points per game, has the highest scoring average for a rookie since Allen Iverson in the 1996-97 season. "I still feel like a rookie every night," Mayo said. "I'm still learning something new every game."
Mayo already has a good view of some of the Grizzlies' shooting woes. He said those can be solved simply.
"We just got to create better shots for each other that are easier to make," Mayo said. "And we don't need to fall so far behind earlier in games. We need to stay focused for the entire 48 minutes. We don't maintain our energy."
THUNDER 111, GRIZZLIES 103: The Grizzlies folded in the last three minutes against the NBA's worst team. Oklahoma City outscored Memphis 35-23 in the fourth quarter, including 12-3 after the Grizzlies led 100-99 with 2:57 left. Again, besides rookie O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay, there isn't much offensive confidence when the Griz have possession.
