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Tony Allen (#9)

A statistic that has been key in the Memphis Grizzlies’ success this NBA season is that they’re #1 in the league in steals and forced turnovers. And as any true basketball fan knows, those miscues often lead to transitional baskets.

The Grizzlies and Indiana Pacers met on Saturday night in a game that was equally important for both teams as they, prior to their matchup, held the #8 spots in their respective conferences.

Memphis’ defense shone as they stole the ball 16 times while Indiana turned the ball over 20 times. The combination worked out well for the Grizzlies as they took over in the first half and thrashed the Pacers 99-78 at FedEx Forum.

Memphis’ defense was on display early as they made eight of their first 10 shots while Indiana committed six turnovers in the first quarter. the Pacers closed the second with a 10-2 run, yet still trailed 58-41 at the break, with Zach Randolph and Mike Conley scoring 11 apiece in the first half and the Grizzlies shooting 61 percent in the first 24 minutes.

Memphis managed to score just 18 in the third but still maintained a 76-60 lead going into the fourth quarter. Despite that, the Grizzlies would manage to hold on for the victory.

Tony Allen led the Grizzlies with 19 points, along with 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 steals and a block while Conley and Randolph each scored 17 – with Conley grabbing 3 rebounds, dishing out 9 assists, along with 4 steals while Randolph grabbed 10 boards, dished out 3 assists, along with a steal and 2 blocks.

The Pacers were led by Darren Collison and Danny Granger with 17 points each – with Collison grabbing a rebound, along with a steal while Granger grabbed 5 caroms, dished out 2 assists, along with 2 steals but also turned the ball over 7 times. Tyler Hansbrough added 14 with 5 rebounds, an assist and a steal.

Both teams return to action on Monday night as Memphis (38-32) remains at home to host the Utah Jazz while Indiana (30-40) travels northeast to Newark to take on the New Jersey Nets.