I feel like I’ve watched this game at least six times this year. Mayo hit clutch threes. Rudy Gay was everywhere. Gasol and Randolph dominated scoring inside. The bench couldn’t score. The Grizzlies pulled out another close one in Detroit to exceed their win total from last year and continue to gain ground in what is shaping up to be a very interesting playoff race. Oh and the Commercial Appeal just reported that Zach Randolph WILL be an All-Star. How about that. Observations, Dunk of the Game, Twitter Watch and playoff picture after the jump.

Big Inside
Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph led the Grizzlies in scoring (24,25) and, just like Monday’s game against Orlando and several others this season, were the eventual reason for the win. Even with Ben Wallace and Jason Maxiell having a very good night under the glass, Detroit was unable to build any significant lead, and their inability to capitalize on mistakes by the Grizzlies had a lot to do with the big men from Memphis.

Show Dem What It Is!
Mike Conley’s play has been rapidly improving over the past few months, and last night was a standout for the often maligned Ohio State product. Conley scored 12 of his 14 points in the first half, and his assist to turnover ratio (6:2) was helpful. Oh and by the way, Conley shot an NBA best in three point percentage in January, and is on pace to break Mike Miller’s franchise record for three-point percentage in a season. Yeah, that Mike Miller.

Dunk of the Game
Marc Gasol put down a signature two-handed jam with 6:13 left in the second quarter to put the Grizzlies up 39-30, at the time their biggest lead of the night. The play was especially pretty due to the an O.J. Mayo bounce pass assist that would have made Pythagoras jealous.
Dunk Count: 2, both by Gasol.

Twitter Watch
I think this bit is catching on… we can now welcome DaMarre Carroll into the mix, and Mike Conley seems to be tweeting with a little more regularity. Clearly they are all just looking to get mentioned here.

DeMarre Carroll
thx for followin me and shwn me luv my 1st time on twitter. keepn me warm in cold detroit.

WOW Greg Oden thats all i got to say....then he tried to apologize.LMAO

Nude photos of Portland Center Greg Oden were leaked onto the internet yesterday. No I will not link them here… go find them yourself.

Rudy Gay
that boy greg oden is crazy

Its cold as hell in Detroit!

This was re-tweeted by Thabeet just moments later - didn’t both of them play college ball at UConn? Wouldn’t they be used to it?

Hasheem Thabeet
Good W tonight, Now heading to San Antonio.. #pissedoff

Mike Conley
Good win tonight , getting ready to get on the plane in a little bit.

Playoff Watch
The win against the Pistons put the Grizzlies a little more firmly in the 7th potential playoff spot, but also has them only one game out of the three way tie for 4th between Utah, San Antonio and Portland. The Grizzlies could make strides toward home court advantage in the playoffs with a win over San Antonio in Texas on Friday. Don't get too excited though, because just 1-1.5 games behind the Grizzlies are four teams: Phoenix, New Orleans, Houston and Oklahoma City. The Grizzlies have New Orleans at home on Saturday. If you're a Grizz fan, root for every team in the east, and against every team I just mentioned in addition to watching the Grizzlies.

Final Shots
NBA officiating is still terrible. Brian Hill, who used to be the head coach of the Vancouver Grizzlies, now works as an assistant coach in Detroit. Lionel Hollins used to be an assistant coach under Hill. According to the Commercial Appeal, Z-Bo is an All-Star – just in case you missed it up top. Marc Gasol and O.J. Mayo were named to the sophomore team to play against the rookie team during all-star weekend. Pete Pranica is apparently very interested in the status of Z-Bo’s headband. And - again, Z-Bo is an All-Star!