

Pocket Full of Posey
Posey energized performance gave the Grizzlies their 3rd straight win

By Ronald Tillery
November 7, 2004



Nobody was able to stop Posey as he went off for 24 pts in the game
James Posey was a steal for Jerry West and the Memphis Grizzlies last off-season as they signed him for the MLE. We all knew his defense was an A+, but later on he showed signs of offensive power. He developed a solid three point shot and also could run in a fastbreak like a deer. "Posey is going to be one of our top 2 main options this upcoming season. We believe his offense is just as top notch as his defense," Assistant Tony Barone said during training camp.
Well Posey showed signs in the first game of the season when he scored 18 to lead the Grizzlies to their first win of the season. Last night, Posey was the energizer bunny as he did everything to make his team win. He started off by shutting down Pierce and giving him 2 fouls in the 1st quarter that kept him out until midway through the 2nd. Then, he ran the break so well, that no one could catch up to him as he did whatever he wanted.
"His abilities are amazing as it seems like he is running 100 mph on fastbreaks. Nobody could not catch him as he was just passing players. Posey will be a star one day in this league," Pierce said. Posey's ability to open up the defense gave Gasol a chance to shine as he scored 18 pts and grabbed a season-high 17 rebs. Gasol earned Player of the Game honors for the 3rd straight game this season and is playing very tough in the paint.
Pierce was held to 7 pts in the game and had 4 fouls. In the 4th quarter the Grizzlies we're able to put in Dahntay Jones and Antonio Burks as they got playing time for the first time this season. Jones scored 5 pts in just 5 mins of play.
Team Stats
Grizzlies
Points-100
Bench Scoring-27
Field Goals-41/79
3-Point-2/6
Free Throws-16/17
Rebounds-53
Blocks-1
Steals-7
Assists-20
Turnovers-8
Celtics
Points-79
Bench Scoring-34
Field Goals-34/78
3-Point-4/37
Free Throws-4/5
Rebounds-28
Blocks-6
Steals-4
Assists-22
Turnovers-12
Player Stats:
Grizzlies
J. Posey-24 pts, 3 stls
P. Gasol-18 pts, 17 rebs
M. Miller-11 pts, 7 asts
E. Dampier-10 pts, 16 rebs
B. Wells-10 pts
J. Williams-10 pts, 5 asts, 5 rebs
D. Jones-5 pts, 5 mins
Celtics
M. Blount-17 pts, 8-8 FG, 5 rebs
R. Davis-11 pts
D. West-10 pts, 5 asts
P. Pierce-7 pts, 4 fouls
M. Banks-4 pts, 10 asts
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Memphis @ Utah
November 7, 7:30 PM
Grizzlies, 3-0; Suns, 1-4.
Midwest Leaders
Memphis are on a 3-game winning streak and leads their division
Coming into the season, the Grizzlies we're underdogs. With teams like Phoenix, Houston and Denver improving their roster dramatically, many people thought the Grizzlies weren't going to make that much noise during the season like they did last season. It turns out that they we're wrong. Grizzlies own a 3-0 record and will face the Phoenix Suns tonight in the America West Arena. There is no doubt the Suns have improved their team by adding Steve Nash. "Nash is the type of PG you hate to guard, because he runs around all over the place and has so much energy," Hubie Brown said.
Nash averages just over 16 ppg and 6 apg for the Suns who have been struggling just like many of the other opponents Memphis has faced lately. "If they are struggling, we aren't going to let them come in and beat us without giving them a tough fight, " James Posey said.
The Suns have a solid group of young guys who like to run. They will match up with the Grizzlies running game tonight. "We know they love to run, but so do we and we aren't going to let that stop us from trying to win tonight," Stoudemire said.
The Grizzlies come in tonight's game being the only team to have 7 players or more scoring 9 ppg or higher.
Key Matchup:
Jason Williams vs. Steve Nash
The Grizzlies running game is more of a solid pace. Their floor general Jason Williams knows where to pass the ball on the break at all times. He only averages 1 turnover per contest and takes care of the ball alot better than last season. Nash runs the Suns very well too. He is a the type that can run and either penetrate to the goal or stop and shoot the jumper.
Probable Starters:
Grizzlies
C-Erick Dampier- (2.3 BPG)
PF-Pau Gasol- (12.7 RPG)
SF-James Posey- (18 PPG)
SG-Mike Miller- (5.3 APG)
PG-Jason Williams- (6 APG)
Suns
C-Keon Clark- (1.6 BPG)
PF-Amare Stoudemire- (9.6 RPG)
SF-Shawn Marion- (16.2 PPG)
SG-Joe Johnson- (11 PPG)
PG-Steve Nash- (6.4 APG)
-Ronald Tillery: 555-5555