Memphis Grizzlies NBA 2015 news: Fifth loss suffered despite splendid performance from veteran Zach Randolph

Wikimedia Commons/Verse Photography

Before the 2015–16 regular season of the National Basketball Association (NBA) began, the Memphis Grizzlies were expected to contend but they are currently struggling and last Monday again lost facing the Los Angeles Clippers, 94–92. 

The defeat was the fifth for Memphis in eight games played so far this season and is the third consecutive. 

Former All-Star forward and veteran Zach Randolph almost recorded a double-double in the loss, tallying 26 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 40 minutes of action. 

Despite coming up short against the Clippers, Randolph remained positive and loved the way they played in the game. 

"We played Grizzlies basketball. If we play like that, keep playing like that, we'll get back to our old selves. A loss is a loss but we've got to take the positives, the energy, the defense, the things we did well," the 34-year-old stated, according to the Associated Press. 

Helping Randolph in Monday's game was center Marc Gasol who recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Gasol was signed by the Grizzlies in the offseason to make him stay and be a cornerstone for the franchise for the years to come but he is having a hard time this season. 

The 30-year-old is averaging 13.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 29.8 minutes of action per contest in eight games this season. 

A bit less than his averages in the 2014–15 season when he had 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.  

Along with Randolph and Gasol, point guard Mike Conley Jr. also had a great showing against the Clippers, having 16 points, six rebounds, five assists, and one steal. 

The Grizzlies slipped to 3–5 with the loss and are in an unfamiliar territory sitting in the 12th spot in the Western Conference.

They will have the chance to end the three-game losing skid when they play against the unbeaten and defending champions the Golden State Warriors today, Wednesday.