GRIZZLIES

Grizzlies' Marc Gasol rants about stats

Ronald Tillery
USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee
Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (left) sits on the bench during action against the New York Knicks at FedExForum.

The Grizzlies clinched their seventh straight playoff berth, making their game against the Dallas Mavericks meaningless at 7 tonight in FedExForum.

While the Grizzlies have turned the page to their first-round opponent, the San Antonio Spurs, center Marc Gasol took a moment to preach about what’s important in basketball.

Gasol was asked about point guard Mike Conley’s breakout season statistically and initially responded with this take:

“We’ve got 43 wins. If we win (tonight), we’ll have 44. That’s the only number you guys (media) should care about,” Gasol said. “Stats are great, but wins and losses matter. Stats are killing the game of basketball. Basketball is a subjective game. A lot of things happen that you cannot measure in stats. Different things matter. To me, the most important things in basketball are not measured by stats.”

Meanwhile, Grizzlies coach David Fizdale all but said the team will be a bit cautious against the Mavs.

“Our schedule has allowed for us to rest to a certain extent,” Fizdale said. “Due to our experts, they say we shouldn’t necessarily give a guy a whole game off. That’s not necessarily a good thing. We want to keep them in rhythm and keep the cardio up and still let them get the contact and execution and all of the stuff you get with playing a real game.”

Every game day we’ll clue you in on a few buzzy items dealing with the Grizzlies and their opponent.

Listen to Chris Herrington and Chris Vernon look back at the Griz season and ahead to the playoffs

Here are “3 Things to Know for Your Griz Day.”

1. Memphis won’t get to see likely Hall-of-Famer Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas’ final game this season.

2. A snapshot of the Grizzlies since March 1.

3. As the Grizzlies turn the page to the San Antonio Spurs and their seventh straight playoff appearance, here’s a fun look back in time.

There you go. A sample of what you need to know to get an early start on your Griz day.

Reach Ronald Tillery at Ronald.Tillery@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @CAGrizBeat.