San Antonio Spurs: Down 1-3, No One Is Giving Up, Not Without a Fight

First it was Zach Randolph’s long three-point shot with seconds left in regulation in Game 3. And then there was the 104-86 beating in Game 4 to give the Memphis Grizzlies a 3-1 series lead.

It was not the way a 1-seed San Antonio Spurs team thought of ending their final run toward a championship. They never thought about crumbling this early in the playoffs. Not this way, never, not without a fight.

When the mind is willing but the body isn’t, the aging Spurs knew it would take a lot of work to get out of the hole they’ve dug themselves into. The Grizzlies somehow resemble a mirror of their former self—young, athletic and hungry. Their strength comes from their team, playing every game with urgency and dedication.

There aren’t many holes in the Spurs offense, and their defense is still superbly well executed.

However, somehow they couldn’t find a way to make a stop on the Memphis offense. They couldn’t find a way to control Randolph’s post moves and unorthodox shots. Not with a 36-year-old veteran, Antonio Mcdyess.

Before Miami and Boston’s Big Three, there was the Spurs' triumvirate of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. However, with Duncan’s twilight slowly fading and Parker and Ginobili’s recent injuries, the Spurs would have to rely more on other options.

Richard Jefferson has slowly caught up with his once dominating offense, and George Hill has been solid all season long. It wasn’t a surprise how they got the 61-21 record.

They have battled injuries and adversity, and they still came out on top. However, with those tired legs somehow, something has to give.

Down 3-1, the season is still far from over. Anything can still happen.

Duncan knows he would have to recollect the ghost of his past to get over those big bodies of the Grizzlies. He would have to do more than what his body allows. Game 5 is the time to put those hands down and start making those punches.

Coming back from a 3-1 deficit would be a fitting finale to their fairytale season. This is going to be war in Game 5. A dynasty is slowly collapsing right before our eyes, and this is the time they strike back.

The Spurs have so much pride to give up. That would never happen because a champion is someone who gets up, even when he can't… and the Grizzlies better be ready.