NBA Playoffs 2011: 5 Reasons the Spurs Are Still Going To Beat the Grizzles

As we all know, the Spurs were routed by the Memphis Grizzles in the final 35 seconds of Game 1.

Some say it's an omen of things to come. Others say Shane Battier got lucky. It doesn't really matter what is said; the Spurs will still win the series.

Here are just five of the reasons why the Spurs will beat the Grizzles in the first round of the playoffs.

No Rudy Gay

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PHOENIX - DECEMBER 08: Rudy Gay #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on December 8, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or usin

I wouldn't call Rudy Gay the best player on the Grizzles. That award goes to Zach Randolph (at least this year). However, Gay has averaged 19.8 points and 6.2 rebounds this season. He also shot an efficient 47 percent from the field. These numbers will have to come from someone else if the Grizzles hope to win. Regardless, this is a huge boon for the Spurs.

61-21

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SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 17: Center Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts against the San Antonio Spurs in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 17, 2011 at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO

61-21. That is the Spurs' record this season. It was second-best in the NBA, and included a 36-5 clip at home.

If the Spurs can rally and win Game 2, they have the advantage again. Very few teams have won 60 games in the regular season and lost in the first round. It won't happen this year.

Experience

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 05: Tony Parker #9 and head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on April 5, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/

The Spurs not only have playoff experience, they have won three championships since 2003. All three of these championships were won with Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan. The Spurs are an older team, but they know how to win.

Memphis, on the other hand, enters the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Few players outside of Tony Allen have any experience beyond the first round.

Tim Duncan

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PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 13: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball under pressure from Robin Lopez #15 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on April 13, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowl

Many call Tim Duncan the best power forward of all time. I don't know if I would agree, but that is a debate saved for another day.

Regardless, his lifetime stats are amazing: 20.6 PPG, 11.4 RPG and 2.3 BPG . This year was his worst season statistically, but he still averaged about 13 points and nine rebounds. His minutes per game also went down by nearly seven, but he remained healthy.

Look for a rested, healthy Duncan to step it up in the playoffs. Even though the offense doesn't go through Duncan anymore, his stats will increase along with his minutes. When Duncan comes up big, the Spurs usually don't lose.

The Spurs Are Just A Better Team.

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PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 13: Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs looses the ball as he drives to the net past Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on April 13, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly

The Spurs averaged over three points more than Memphis this season. Their plus/minus was almost three points better than the Grizzles as well.

One could make the argument that the Grizzles were better defensively, although they only beat the Spurs on opponents' field goal percentage by .001. They also allowed only .38 less points per game than the Spurs.

Not only are the Spurs the better team statistically, they have a lot more depth than the Grizzles. Let's not forget that the Big Three of Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan are healthy.

The Spurs will prove they are the better team in the next four games of this series.