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San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) controls the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandan Wright, left, in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) controls the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandan Wright, left, in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn.
San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) drives between Memphis Grizzlies forwards Brandan Wright (34)James Ennis (8) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) drives between Memphis Grizzlies forwards Brandan Wright (34)James Ennis (8) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn.
Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol, left, drives against San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol, left, drives against San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
LaMarcus Aldridge has had few shooting nights as miserable as the one he just experienced in Memphis.
A five-time All-Star known for his smooth mid-range game and nimble footwork, Aldridge struggled to establish a rhythm against the Grizzlies grit-n-grind defense.
His 4-of-19 night was one part of a team-wide night of misery. The Spurs hit new lows in field-goal percentage (36.6 percent), 3-point percentage (21.1 percent) and free throw percentage (55.6 percent).
“I’m definitely disappointed,” Aldridge said. “I’m ready to get back on the floor and get some shots up and try to be better next game.”
Here’s a breakdown of Aldridge’s cold-shooting night.
First quarter
Shot No. 1 (0-1 FG): Jonathon Simmons drives baseline, draws two defenders, slips a bounce pass to Aldridge for an open 21-footer.
No. 2 (0-2):
No. 3 (0-3): Aldridge faces up Marc Gasol on the weak side of the floor. He makes two hard jab steps before putting up and 18-footer as Gasol gets a hand up to contest.
No. 4 (1-4): Aldridge backs down Zach Randolph and sheds him with a spin. He fakes towards the basket then unleashes a smooth step-back jumper along the baseline.
No. 5 (1-5): Simmons drives baseline, past Vince Carter. Gasol rotates over to help while Randolph, who was previously on Aldridge, slides over to pick up Dewayne Dedmon. Simmons hits Aldridge in the corner, who hoists a 3-pointer with five seconds remaining on the shot clock.
Second quarter
No. 6 (1-6): With the shot clock winding down, Aldridge tries to go baseline against Gasol but is rebuffed. He has to fire up a difficult turnaround jumper before incurring a violation.
No. 7 (2-7): Aldridge skates around a deep screen set by Simmons and retrieves the entry pass from Danny Green. Aldridge grabs the ball in stride, turns and drains up a 17-foot jumper.
No. 8 (3-8): Matched up with Wright alone on the weak side, Aldridge turns and backs his man back into the paint. No Grizzlies slide in close enough to help, allowing Aldridge to get Wright in the air with a head fake before releasing a soft hook shot.
Third quarter
No. 9 (3-9): Aldridge sets a high screen for Tony Parker, who speeds by, dragging two defenders with him. Parker flicks a bounce pass back to a wide-open Aldridge, who misses the 20-footer.
No. 10 (4-10): Aldridge posts up JaMychal Green on the left block. Before Grizzlies guard Tony Allen can drop down to help, Aldridge steps through and hoists a running hook shot in the lane. He gets the bucket and the foul.
No. 11 (4-11): Green flops trying to draw a foul on Aldridge in the post. The officials don’t take the bait, leaving Aldridge all alone. He tries to kiss a 10-foot jumper off the glass, but it smacks off front iron.
No. 12 (4-12): Aldridge catches the ball near the right elbow, gets Green in the air with a pump and releases a jumper from just inside the paint.
Fourth Quarter
Nos. 13 & 14 (4-14): Aldridge backs down Wright and eludes him with an up-and-under at the rim, but Grizzlies swingman Vince Carter is in place to help and gets a hand on the ball. Aldridge corrals the missed shot but is blocked again, this time by Wright.
No. 15 (4-15): Aldridge grabs an offensive rebound over Wright and loses him with a quick fake. Aldridge spins to put up a hook shot but Carter rotates over and stuffs the attempt.
No. 16 (4-16): Aldridge leaks out as Parker grabs a defensive rebound. Parker connects with Kyle Anderson, who rifles a chest pass into Aldridge just a few feet away from the rim. Aldridge hesitates and picks up his dribble under the rim, allowing Carter to catch up and block his layup.
No. 17 (4-17): Defended by Grizzlies guard Mike Conley, Parker spins baseline and draws Gasol away from Aldridge. Parker flips a pass back over his head to Aldridge, whose 18-footer caroms off back iron.
No. 18 (4-18): Aldridge has Gasol alone in the post. Gasol denies Aldridge on the up-and-under, forcing him into a difficult turnaround hook shot.
No. 19 (4-19): Parker and Aldridge run a high pick-and-roll from the top of the key. Gasol gravitates towards Parker, freeing up Aldridge near the 3-point line. Parker kicks it to Aldridge before Gasol can rotate back, but the shot is long.
nmoyle@express-news.net
Twitter: @NRMoyle
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