Watch: Blazers Come Up Short In Loss To Grizzlies

In a battle of two 6-4 clubs, the game once again goes down to the final minute. CJ McCollum had a chance to win on the last possession, but his shot fell just shy, and time ran out on the Blazers.

The Blazers were led by CJ McCollum’s 36 points, and Evan Turner added 16. The Memphis Grizzlies were led by Tyreke Evans with 21 points and Mike Conley’s 20.

Recap

First Half

If you thought the weather outside was a little chilly today, the shooting for both the Grizzlies and Blazers were downright frigid for most of the first half. Portland didn’t make the fans any cozier with an assortment of turnovers, nine total, that would make an all-ADHD grade school coach shake his head. Luckily for the Blazers, the Grizzlies were not exactly playing pristine basketball, either. Some key hustle plays by Noah Vonleh and Ed Davis kept things close while CJ McCollum provided Portland’s only consistent threat on offense, ending the half with a rainbow-esque shot to give the Blazers a three point lead. McCollum had 15 points for Portland. Marc Gasol led Memphis with 11.

Halftime: Portland 50, Memphis 47

Second Half

After a very quiet first half, Mike Conley of the Grizzlies came alive, leading the Grizzlies on a 15-2 run in the third. Portland woke up after that brief pummeling, with Evan Turner providing some needed infusion of offense. Conley, however, drained a three to end the third period to put the road team up three points.

The fourth quarter proved to be another down to the wire affair. But, it was the Grizzlies who seemingly got every stop and call when needed. Except for one.

Down five late, the Blazers made one last push, priming themselves for some more tasty, last minute heroics. First, it was a 4-point swing to close the gap to just one. Then, with 12 seconds remaining, the Grizzlies turned the ball over on a reviewed call. But, McCollum’s last second shot falls short and time runs out on he and the Blazers. Memphis wins 98-97.

Box Score

What's Next

Portland will see the return of Allen Crabbe to the Moda Center on Friday night when the Blazers take on the New Jersey Nets. Tip off is scheduled for 7 pm. Stay tuned to Blazer's Edge tonight, for extended analysis of this game from Dave Deckard.