Grizzlies 120, Nuggets 99
MEMPHIS -- Forward Zach Randolph scored 20 points and reserve forward Ed Davis added 17 as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Denver Nuggets 120-99 Saturday night. It was the Nuggets' sixth consecutive loss, the franchise's longest losing streak in nine seasons.
Denver, which won three of four against the Grizzlies last season, was playing Memphis for the first time this season.
Randolph averaged only 13 points in the four games against Denver last season, but was dominant early in the third quarter when the Grizzlies (13-16) pulled away. The Grizzlies extended their lead to 25 points midway through the final quarter as their bench, led by Davis, scored 23 of 25 points during one stretch.
Denver attempted a rally early in the fourth quarter, but the Grizzlies scored 14 straight to put the game out of reach at 103-81,
Each team shot better than 50 percent in the first half. The Nuggets were 20-of-35 for 57.1 percent and the Grizzlies were 24-of-44 for 54.5 percent. Denver led 56-55 at the half.
Setting a torrid pace by shooting 63 percent in the opening quarter, the Nuggets built a seven-point lead (37-30) early in the second quarter before the Grizzlies responded. They went on a 14-1 run powered by their bench and led 44-38 midway through the second quarter. The Memphis bench accounted for 27 first-half points, including nine from Davis.
The Grizzlies opened the second half by going on a 22-9 run to grab a 12-point lead at 77-65. Randolph had eight points during the run for the Grizzlies, who led 85-72 at the end of three quarters.
NOTES: The Grizzlies are 6-10 at the FedExForum through 16 games this season after going 32-9 at home last season. ... The Nuggets entered Saturday night's game having lost a season-high five straight games. They dropped a 105-89 decision to New Orleans on Friday night. During the losing streak, the Nuggets failed to surpass 100 points. ... Nuggets and former Grizzlies F Darrell Arthur did not play. He missed the game with a right quadriceps contusion. ... Nuggets F Kenneth Faried, who had missed the previous two games with a left ankle sprain, returned. He fell hard to the court after being fouled by Grizzlies F James Johnson on a layup attempt midway through the second quarter but did not leave the game. ... The Nuggets shot 63 percent in the first quarter (12-of-19), but led by only two as the Grizzlies shot 54 percent (13-of-24).
