Reserve guard Wayne Ellington's career best performance of 25 points, which included an amazing 7 three-pointers, helped Memphis Grizzlies to register a 104-86 victory over the Miami Heat. The Grizzlies have won five consecutive games to mark the best ever start in the franchise history.
"I don't think Ellington will be able to sneak in the back door anymore," The Associated Press quoted Miami center Chris Bosh saying. "I didn't know he could shoot the ball like that. We know now."
Rudy Gay's 21 points and Zach Randolph's 18 points and 12 rebounds also proved instrumental in the Grizzlies' victory. Mike Conley added 18 points and nine assists and Marc Gasol contributed with 10 rebounds and six assists.
"We played outstanding basketball," Memphis coach Lionel Hollins said.
For the Heat, Bosh contributed with 22 points, whereas LeBron James scored 20.
The Grizzlies maintained a lead from the start with the Heat not able to get ahead even once in the whole game. The Heat coach Erik Spoelstra praised the opposition players' fitness and skill.
"There were critical places in where the game turned like sloppy turnovers, missed shots or big baskets that couldn't get us over that hump," Spoelstra said. "They played very well. They played physical, and they did what they needed to do to bring it home."
The Grizzlies were ahead of the Heat's score in the first quarter 22-21. In the second quarter, they outscored the defending NBAS champions 34-20, while the third quarter saw the Heat pull five points back. Clearly the Heat had some edge in the third quarter, but they could not continue it in the final quarter.
At the end of the first quarter the Grizzlies were leading by only one point and the game was still open for both the sides. But then Ellington added 16 quick points and the Grizzlies extended the lead by 14 points. Now, with the score 34-20 they were in a strong position in the game.
"I think right here is a great situation for me where I got ... those guys down low, and they need a guy that can really knock down shots," Ellington said.
Ellington and the Grizzlies continued their superior shooting night as the Heat bowed down to Memphis.
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