Conversing with my friends last night while playing NBA 2k12, I said that O.J. Mayo is Memphis Grizzlies' James Harden. O.J. Mayo comes off the bench with no opposition to his position, and scores 11.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG and 2.0 APG. Memphis in their last 10 are 8-2 and are rolling into the second half of the season standing at 5th in a strong western conference. The Grizz go into the Palace of Auburn to face the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons aren't exactly a playoff caliber team although the talent in this Pistons team definitely has potential. I've always liked Rodney Stuckey as a point guard, and Greg Monroe is budding into a quality 4. Greg Monroe averaging a double double scoring 16.8 PPG and grabbing 10.1 boards per game. Considering he's a rookie, he's doing well for himself. Even though Greg Monroe is doing well, the Pistons are 5-5 in their last 10 games. Memphis after last year's post season run was unexpected, especially being without Rudy Gay. Memphis handled themselves well, and are doing the same this year without Zach Randolph. It may seem like I'm barely scratching the surface analyzing this game, but this game comes down to who's the better team and Memphis is levels ahead of Detroit. Memphis has advantages in the paint with the big foot all star Marc Gasol, O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay. Marc Gasol is averaging 15.4 PPG and 9.9 RPG as well as 2.2 blocks per game. Rudy Gay is averaging 19.0 PPG and 6.8 RPG. Memphis by average is out rebounded on the offensive end 12.1 to 12.4 to Detroit, but tonight I expect Memphis to control the rebounds tonight. This should be an easy win for Memphis as they continue to roll in the second half of the season.
Result: What seemed like a close game for the first 3 quarters spaced out into a scoring frenzy by the Grizz in the 4th quarter. Rodney Stuckey did his best to try to keep the game in control leading the scoring for the Pistons with 20 points although he did shoot 6/22 and made 7/9 from the charity stripe. Greg Monroe had a double double scoring 14 and grabbing 11 rebounds. Rookie Brandon Knight on the Pistons also had a good night on the hardwood marking down 15 points and 7 boards. O.J. Mayo and Marc Gasol had 17 points a piece, and Marc Gasol also adding 2 blocks and 9 boards. In the 1st half the score was close and Memphis actually found themselves down by one 47-46. The 3rd quarter was also a stalemate and both teams scored 23 points each in the 3rd. In the last quarter led by O.J. Mayo, Memphis outscored Detroit 31-13. Memphis is the better team here, in a better position at home and also on a winning streak and it was just a matter of time before Memphis would take control of the game. Well played game by the Grizz for a final score of 100-83.
Also consider this. Would you rather have O.J. Mayo or James Harden as your 6th man coming off the bench?
10-4-1
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