The Memphis Grizzlies won their third straight game on Sunday, erasing a 17-point Denver third quarter lead to defeat the Nuggets 116-108.
Denver shot 61 percent through three quarters and scored at will in the paint and on fast breaks to build an 86-69 lead with 3:56 left in the third quarter.
But a Tony Allen led defensive surge helped the Grizzlies begin their comeback, using a 27-10 run to tie the score at 96 with eight minutes left in the game.
Memphis outhustled the Nuggets in the fourth quarter, forcing 10 turnovers and dominated the boards. The Grizzlies outscored the Nuggets 34-18 behind Zach Randolph’s 12 points and outrebounded Denver 41-29 for the game.
The Grizzlies (30-26) have won 11 of their last 14 games and are one game behind Portland for the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Darrell Arthur lead Memphis with a career-high 24 points. Arthur played with intensity and forced the Nuggets’ Nene away from the basket, opening the lane for Randolph and Gay to operate in the paint.
Rudy Gay chipped in 23, Tony Allen and Mike Conley each scored 17, Marc Gasol added 15 points and Zach Randolph scored 14 points and grabbed 16 rebounds.
The Nuggets had six players in double figures, led by Carmello Anthony’s 28 points. Ty Lawson, J.R. Smith and Nene each scored 14, while Chauncey Billups had 13 and Kenyon Martin added 12.
The Grizzlies determined effort is evidence of a team that’s maturing and is being led by Allen. His energy and defensive intensity off the bench has helped turn Memphis into a more physical team that plays with mental toughness as well.
Last season and throughout the early portion of Memphis’ schedule this season, the Grizzlies would simply give up when down by double digits.
But those days are over thanks to Allen, a man who doesn’t know the meaning of the word quit.
A member of the Boston Celtics for six seasons prior to signing a three-year deal in the offseason, Allen has brought a wealth of experience to a team that lacked confidence in close games and couldn’t overcome adversity.
But now Memphis is a team to be reckoned with in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies have won 18 of their last 27 games since December 21 and are in position to earn a playoff berth for the first time since the 2004-05 season.
Memphis has one game remaining before the NBA All-Star break begins on Friday. The Grizzlies will face Philadelphia on Tuesday night at the FedExForum and will have seven days off until their next game at Denver on February 22.
