If there was one aspect of the game the Memphis Grizzlies thought they would have an advantage over Los Angeles Clippers heading in to their first-round series, it was defense and rebounding. Yet, there they were at the end of series-opener having surrendered 112 points and, more importantly, getting out rebounded by 24.
Lionel Hollins on Grizzlies’ rebounding problems: All out effort wasn’t there
The Memphis Grizzlies preached the need to take care of the glass after they were out rebounded 47-23 during their game one loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Memphis' anemic rebounding wasn't lost on head coach Lionel Hollins, who said his team didn't give an all-out effort all night long. Collins added he was most surprised by the lack of rebounding production by his starting front court duo of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.
“What’s more surprising is our two big guys had six rebounds between them and no offensive rebounds,” Hollins said.
Memphis not only struggled to get rebounds, but also to keep the Clippers off the offensive glass, surrendering 14 offensive rebounds. After the game, back up-guard Jerryd Bayless said the team will have to put a renewed focus to cleaning up the glass.
“Everybody has to help,” Bayless said. “We can’t put it on Z-Bo. We can’t put it on Marc.”
Memphis' 23 rebounds were 19 off its season average of 42 per game. Keeping Randolph out of foul trouble will help get the Grizzlies back to around their season average. Randolph played just 25 minutes and grabbed four rebounds as he and Blake Griffin both spent a good amount of time in the second and third quarters dealing with foul trouble.
Game 2 is set for Monday night from Staples Center. It’s scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on TNT.
Quotes via NBA.com live stream.
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