• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers
• Game Tracker

Celtics try again for first win at Memphis

Nov 4, 2013 - 3:47 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Boston Celtics weren't expected to do much this season and their 0-3 start reflects that prediction.

The Celtics, though, hope to get off the schneid when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies Monday at FedExForum.

Boston dropped to 0-3 on the season with Sunday's 87-77 loss to the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills, as rookie Kelly Olynyk led the way with 15 points off the bench for Boston. Avery Bradley and Jordan Crawford scored 13 points apiece for the Celtics.

"We just have to get better," said Olynyk. "They (Pistons) capitalized on their chances. We cut it close a couple of times, but that's not good enough when you play in this league."

The Pistons extended their 45-35 halftime lead to 15 points early in the third on a Will Bynum pull-up jumper. Bradley's basket later in the game cut the deficit to two, but the Celtics committed three straight turnovers after that and Detroit took care of business at the foul line. The Pistons ended the game on an 8-0 run.

"Those groups were doing a great job," Celtics new coach Brad Stevens said. "They gave us a chance to win and then we turned it over because we were moving too fast. I was pleased with the last group at the end of the game and I just thought they gave it everything they had."

Boston, which is still without point guard Rajon Rondo (knee), was 0-3 back in 2011-12 and 2006-07, and last started 0-4 in 1969-70.

The Grizzlies are off to a disappointing 1-2 start and suffered a 111-99 loss at Dallas on Saturday. Mike Conley led the Grizz with 24 points, Zach Randolph compiled 21 points and 14 rebounds and Marc Gasol ended with 23 points for Memphis, which couldn't overcome a 32-16 deficit after the first quarter.

Memphis did have a 27-17 advantage in the second quarter and made 42.5 percent from the field. Eighteen turnovers led to 20 Dallas points.

"We dug ourselves into a hole early and we can't start games that way," said Conley. "We don't like playing from behind and you can't play from behind against good teams. (Dallas) came out tonight and threw the first punch and set the tone for the rest of the game."

The Grizzlies had won seven of the last nine meetings with the Mavs, including three of last season's four matchups.

Memphis, which will play its next three games at home, won both matchups with Boston last season and is only 3-8 in the last 11 encounters as the host.