NBA Playoffs 2011: Memphis Grizzlies Can Become the Biggest Underdog in History

The NBA Playoffs mark the favorite time of the year for any NBA fan, whether it be a die hard or a casual observer.

Fans always state that in the playoffs "Anything can happen;" well, is that really true?

This year, the Memphis Grizzlies have puzzled all NBA fans and experts with their great playoff run.

They entered the postseason with a 46-36 record and were facing the first seed in the West the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs were a veteran team who entered the playoffs with a 61-21 record after a surprising season, where they rested many of their starters in order to make one last run at the Championship.

So, let's break this down we have a veteran playoff team that wants one last shot at the big one and then we have an eighth seed that has not won one single playoff game in their history.

An eighth seed that boast a squad that has almost never seen the postseason. Let's also throw in the fact that their highest paid player and franchise star Rudy Gay is injured and unable to play.

For anyone who follows basketball and for those that don't this should look like a relatively easy series for the Spurs. I most definitely thought it was going to be easy for the veteran Spurs.

Well, we were all wrong and Memphis went on to shock the NBA world by beating the San Antonio Spurs in a pretty easy six games.

Now, the Grizzlies moved on to face the Oklahoma City Thunder who were one of the favorites coming into the playoffs and many thought they could go all the way.

Again, let's break this down: The Thunder entered the playoffs as the No. 4 seed with a 55-27 record and they easily beat the Denver Nuggets in five games.

Oklahoma City is led by the two time reigning scoring champion Kevin Durant and the by the young explosive point guard Russell Westbrook.

The supporting cast around those players is solid enough to warrant a contender status and they should make short work of the Memphis Grizzlies who probably just got lucky in the first round.

Fast forward to now and the Grizzlies are tied 2-2 with the Thunder after a thrilling triple-overtime loss just last night.

The question is: What happens if they beat the Thunder?

Well, they move on to face the new West favorite the Dallas Mavericks who have just swept the two time defending champions the Los Angeles Lakers.

Clearly, the Grizzlies stand no chance, right?

If the Grizzlies beat the Thunder "somehow," do you think they are just going to lay down and let the Mavs run all over them.

I know Dallas is hungry, but Memphis is angry. Those are two very strong emotions colliding.

No No. 8 seed in history has ever won the title and the Knicks in 1999 are the only No. 8 seed to reach the NBA Finals.

However, it should be noted that New York accomplished this in the lockout-shortened season, where only 50 games were played in total.

Can the Grizzlies shock the world? Can they become the first team to win the NBA Championship while coming in as the "worst" team in the West?

There is something there that is making them win, something there that is making them nearly unstoppable.

All I know is that if they move on, I would not be surprised if they become our NBA Champions.

I am not predicting them to win it all, but then again I never predicted them to beat the Spurs.

Well, thanks for reading and please leave a comment and check out my Facebook page to take part in some debates and see my thoughts on some current sports events!