2011 NBA Playoffs: Memphis Grizzlies, Championship Contenders?

The Memphis Grizzlies were once again able to answer their doubters, this time with an impressive 95-83 win over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder in their Western Conference Semifinal series. In the short term, the victory was important because it extended the Grizzlies' dream season and allows them one more chance to advance.

But what could it mean for the rest of these playoffs and potentially for seasons to come?

As impressive as the Grizzlies have been, with a series victory over the San Antonio Spurs and now taking a feisty Thunder team to seven games, it's also important to remember that they have been without their best player, Rudy Gay, for these entire playoffs.

At times, the Grizzlies have become very challenged offensively, unable to manufacture easy shots against teams that can pack the paint and dare them to shoot from the outside. As has been mentioned many times, three-point shooting is not a strength of this Memphis team.

Given all that, it might be easy to wonder why anyone could think of the Grizzlies as a contender, at least for this particular season.  

Those who have watched know that they place tough defense, and play an inside-out type of basketball that is difficult to stop when shots are falling for Zach Randolf and Marc Gasol.

In this most recent victory, they also did something that no other team has been able to do in these playoffs: force a Game 7. Other teams have won a game to avoid being closed out in five, but the Spurs, Los Angeles Lakes, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics and others all failed to either get to or win a Game 6 in their respective final series.  

These Memphis Grizzlies play with poise and confidence. Their coach, Lionel Hollins, has a lot to do with that, but despite the relative youth of some of their key contributors, this team should be considered a contender, both now and for seasons to come.