It was a long, decidedly defensive oriented practice for the Grizzlies, who already rank third in points allowed (112.5), fourth in opponent field goal percentage (.483) and sixth in opponent assists (23) in the NBA.

“We worked on situations where we have to guard better,” head coach Marc Iavaroni said. “That would be catch-and-shoots, pick-and-rolls and post-ups.”

That would also be defending the goal. The Griz allowed tons of layups in last Saturday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers.

“Everybody has to step up,” Pau Gasol (above) said. “The guys on the perimeter have to do a better job of containing the ball and penetration. And the big men have to do a better job of stepping up and blocking shots.”

Tip-ins:

*** Gasol again didn’t practice because of back stiffness. He’s only played in games so far, a trend that may be cause for concern if it continues.

“It’s not fun knowing that his back is hurting,” Iavaroni said. “He’s missing valuable practice time. But being concerned is not going to make it better.”

*** Rudy Gay is averaging 23.5 minutes and five fouls – several of which have been offensive fouls thus his seven turnovers.

“That’s an overriding concern right now – that he’s ready to play and not getting caught with fouls,” Iavaroni said. “He’s got to be on the offensive glass. He’s got to be a presence out there at the three and four.”

Gay (left) has collected just six rebounds in two games, and NONE have come on the offensive glass. One good thing, though, is that Gay has hoisted 24 shots (second-most on the team) and he’s converted half of them.

*** Juan Carlos Navarro buried 4 of 9 3-pointers in a total of 36 minutes. But he seems to get rattled by contact, and hasn’t necessarily provided an offensive spark the Griz are looking for in reserve.

“He’s got to get used to the game,” Iavaroni said. “He has to get used to the speed and that will help him settle down.”

*** Don’t look now, but Mike Miller is the team’s leading rebounder with 10 boards a game.