NBA Playoffs 2011: San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies Game 3 Live Blog
In the Eastern Conference, we have very little intrigue. Two series stand at 3-0 (and they aren't even close) while a feisty 8th seed in Indiana has only been able to finish one of it's four games, finding themselves down three games to one to the No. 1 seed Bulls.
The Western Conference, however, is loaded with dramatic story lines, none more dramatic, perhaps, then San Antonio vs. Memphis.
In one corner, you have the seemingly ageless veterans in the Spurs, a group who has put together a 60-plus win season, and for what seems like the 100th time in as many tries, made it to the playoffs.
Then, you have their opponent, the Grizzlies, who have changed cities and have, to this day, only one playoff victory to their name.
But the most intriguing idea to the whole thing is that the No. 8 seed Grizzlies aren't really an eight seed, at least in the eyes of the wary Spurs and the general public. And, oddly, despite the dominating record and the loads of playoff/championship experience, the Spurs are seen, in some circles, as under fire and risking upset-elimination.
The drama so far has not disappointed between the two teams. Besides the playoff history at work (which is, clearly, more relevant to the Grizzlies then the Spurs) in which the Spurs swept the Grizz out of the playoffs in their first ever appearance, you have a nearly deadlocked battle from position to position.
The rankings themselves may be seven spots apart, but the Grizzlies seem evenly matched with the Spurs, and nothing says that more then the fact the series is tied 1-1. Memphis has youth, energy and the confidence of winning their first ever playoff game (on the road no less). San Antonio has wisdom, patience, and experience on it's side. Either way, both teams have immense positives, and the two are clashing effectively to the joy of the viewing public.
Join me as we watch the Grizzlies first home playoff game since 2006 in a deadlocked (and exciting) 1-1 first-round series.
