Hawks at Grizzlies: Keys to the Game

I agree with Jordan's post that tonight is a must-win. The Grizz gotta have it. Yes, the team is in a slump, but the Hawks haven't been playing too great lately either. They have lost 3 straight, have 4 straight road losses, and are the only Eastern Conference team in top 4 spots to have a losing record on the road. A bright spot for the Hawks is that they are 14-6 versus the West. Needless to say, the Grizz have their hands full tonight.

We need this win badly, and here's how I think we do it:

1. OJ vs Joe Johnson match-up. This is the most intriguing match-up to me because both are talented SGs who are willing to do whatever it takes to make his team win. We need OJ to match Johnson's production.

2. Z-Bo to the foul line. Zach has got to get back to the free throw line. He has only been there 4 times in the last 3 games. It's no surprise that we have been struggling lately with Z-Bo's production. As Randolph goes, so the Grizzlies go.

3. 3 point shooting. Conley was hot as can be from 3 in January, but it seems like he hasn't hit a 3 in 10 games. Rudy is at 32%, OJ at 38%, and Hudson at 38%. None of those numbers are great, and we need better production not only tonight, but also for the rest of the season.

Also, Darrell Arthur is supposed to play tonight. Coach Hollins commented that "Darrell is an athletic 4 that can face up and make a jump shot... He definitely gives us another body that I'm comfortable with." Coach Hollins is excited about DA's being back because of Arthur's production this summer and his increase of full body strength since his injury.

Let's go get us a win!