NBA Playoffs 2011: How the Memphis Grizzlies Are Dominating the Top Seed
The Memphis Grizzles rested their players at the end of the regular season so they would be able to play the San Antonio Spurs. For some weird reason, they thought they had an edge against the talented and experienced Spurs.
Now, we are starting to see that edge.
With a 104-86 win over San Antonio Monday night, the Grizzles took a 3-1 lead and now just need one win in the next three games to move on and play either OKC or Denver. San Antonio has been thwarted by the fastbreak, which Memphis is executing perfectly.
The Grizzles grabbed 39 rebounds (San Antonio racked up 37), stole the ball eight times (San Antonio had six steals) and racked up 22 assists (San Antonio totaled 16). The only columns San Antonio led were blocks and turnovers.
Turnovers to assists ratio for the Spurs? 17 to 16.
The Grizzles? 8 to 22.
Just by looking at the stats, you can tell Memphis dominated the game.
San Antonio got to the free throw line 14 times (and made 11 shots), while Memphis got to the line 21 times (and made 17). In fact, during the third quarter—after Sam Young's jumper tied the game—Memphis added 8 straight free throws to take an eight point lead and start their domination.
In Game 3, the statistics were pretty even, and the game was very close. In fact, two of the games have been very close, and both went to Memphis.
Where is that experience the Spurs have from playing in all of those conference finals and NBA Finals? Is this really the team with Manu Ginobli, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker?
It is, but the speed Memphis possesses is simply too much for San Antonio.
It will be very hard for the Spurs to keep up with the fast-paced basketball that Memphis likes to play, especially in Game 6. The Spurs did tie the season series with the Grizzles, but they also won a game in OT. If they can find a way to come through and win close games, this series is still available for victory.
Game 5 is back in San Antonio, where the Spurs went 36-5. Can the team that had never won a playoff game before this series really beat the San Antonio Spurs?
With fast-paced and smart basketball, they can. But if Memphis loses two in a row, San Antonio will be ready to strike in Game 7.
