Grizzlies 97, Heat 82
GRIZZLIES 97, HEAT 82: Rudy Gay led seven players in double figures with 17 points, and visiting Memphis turned in a strong defensive effort to keep pace in the West. Miami had its 17-game home winning streak snapped, falling one shy of tying the club record.
Zach Randolph collected 14 points and 14 rebounds off the bench and Mike Conley and Marreese Speights scored 15 points apiece for the Grizzlies, who bounced back from a loss at Dallas on Wednesday. Memphis will get a chance to move into sole possession of fifth place in the West when it hosts the Mavericks on Saturday.
The Grizzlies got a rare day off Thursday and looked well-rested at the start, running out to a 25-12 advantage after the first quarter. Miami, which was coming off a big win over the West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, shot less than 30 percent in the frame.
Memphis ended up holding the Heat to 12 field goals in the first half to take a 48-32 lead into the break.
Miami made a bit of a charge in the third, trimming the deficit to 10 on four occasions, but never managed to cut it to single digits as Gay and Conley responded to each run.
LeBron James recorded 21 points, six rebounds and six assists to lead the Heat.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Miami committed 11 of its 14 turnovers in the first half. … The Heat shot 4 for 18 (22 percent) from 3-point range. … Memphis G Tony Allen missed the game due to a facial laceration suffered in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s loss at Dallas.