Sports

NBA

Versatile Grizzlies top Magic

Associated Press
Published January 26, 2005

---

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Grizzlies got aggressive on defense down the stretch.

Stromile Swift had 18 points and nine rebounds, leading Memphis over Orlando 95-83 on Tuesday night.

Memphis, which had seven players in double figures, outscored the Magic 18-4 in the final 4:05 to secure its 12th win in 14 games. Orlando lost its second straight and has dropped three of four.

"We just picked up our defensive intensity and got stops," Swift said. "We rebounded the ball at the end of the game, and that was the key."

The Grizzlies needed the balanced offense as Pau Gasol, their leading scorer and rebounder, was placed on the injured list with a left foot injury. Also, key reserve Bonzi Wells sat out with a groin strain.

James Posey and Lorenzen Wright each had 12 points and eight rebounds. Earl Watson and Shane Battier, who helped during the final rally, added 11 points apiece, although they were a combined 7-of-22 from the field.

Grant Hill and Steve Francis led Orlando with 18 points each, and Francis added six assists. Rookie guard Jameer Nelson scored 17.

It marked the second straight night the Magic couldn't capitalize on an opponent lacking its top scorer. Houston played without Tracy McGrady, who was tending to a family emergency, while defeating the Magic 89-78 Monday.

The teams exchanged leads midway through the final quarter. A three-point play by Swift followed by a 3-pointer by Mike Miller and two free throws and a tip-in by Battier capped a 10-0 run, giving Memphis an 87-79 lead with 1:31 left. Orlando never got closer the rest of the way.

"We gave up 40 points in the paint, and that's way too many, especially without Pau Gasol," Magic coach Johnny Davis said.

[Last modified January 26, 2005, 00:29:02]

[an error occurred while processing this directive]