There are no secrets about the Grizzlies. When Memphis can't score, the problem is simple.
"We struggle on offense when we're not moving the ball like coach tells us to," Grizzlies center Marc Gasol said. "When we don't move it from side to side and it gets stuck, we get poor shots and no penetration. We get into trouble." And when the Grizzlies move the ball? Then you have what happened on Sunday, 21 assists in a rare road win at Detroit.
"Guys were playing off one another and Rudy (Gay) passed the ball more than I've seen him pass it," Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley said.
"When we're moving it real good, guys get open looks and high-percentage shots. Getting more guys involved definitely helps. We're not the kind of team that can just rely on one or two guys. I think we're realizing that the game is easier when everybody is involved."
Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins still believes the secret to the Grizzlies' offensive execution is how they play without the basketball.
"We've got to guard our own man, help and recover, and rebound," Hollins said. "Then, you have to run the court on offense. We're not a power team where we can just walk it up and throw it into a Shaq (O'Neal) or Dwight Howard or somebody like that. But it's just not about offense. It starts with defense."
GRIZZLIES 89, PISTONS 84: The Grizzlies not only won a road game, but were so efficient that they led by 21 in the first half and 17 at halftime. The Grizzlies did blow the lead and actually fell behind by a point a couple of times with about five minutes left to play. But Memphis steadied the ship, with Mike Conley putting the Grizzlies ahead for good with 3:55 left. Detroit didn't score in the last 2:22 of the game. "We knew they were going to make a run," Grizzlies rookie O.J. Mayo said. "But we did a good job of getting the stops when we needed them."
