Why the Memphis Grizzlies Will Make It to the Finals in 2012

Last season, no one expected the 8th-seeded Grizzlies to defeat the 1st-seeded Spurs in the playoffs.

Lead by Zach Randolph, Memphis used energy the fact that no one had any expectations for them to make a successful run in the playoffs.

There were many key components in their success.

Whether it were the players, fans, or coaches, the team managed to mend everything together to put up an infectious Grizzlies tenure.

This article will finally give the team some high expectations and will explain why the Memphis Grizzlies(not the Thunder, not the Mavericks, not the Lakers) will make the 2012 NBA Finals next year.

10. O.J. Mayo's Bench Play

Drawing close to the trade deadline, people wondered if O.J. Mayo would even remain a Grizzly. In fact, he was even traded to the Pacers, but due to bad timing involving the deadline, it didn't go through.

Good thing it didn't.

During the playoffs, in order to prove his worth to fans, players, and staff, Mayo was a stud in the playoffs. Coming off the bench for Tony Allen, O.J. made sure that when Allen sat down, the team's production wouldn't dip.

It proved that when he has a chip on his shoulder, he steps up his game to prove his doubters wrong, and with a heart-breaking loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, he has another opportunity to do so.

9. Shane Battier's Defense

The Grizzlies are obviously a young, inexperienced squad, so what they needed was veteran leadership.

With Shane Battier, the Grizzlies get just that.

Battier is one of the toughest players in the league. In the past, Shane has shut down players such as Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Manu Ginobili.

Another add on is his willingness to no have the starting role, but because of the regular season injury to Rudy Gay, the starting spot was his.

He proved he could handle it.

Not only did his defense shine, but his offense was up to par also. He used his strength and superb shooting ability to hurt teams on both ends of the court.

8. Fan Support

Over their entire franchise history, the Grizzlies have been notorious for disappointing fans again and again by not making the playoffs.

Last year, things changed.

Not only did the team make the playoffs, but they earned back their supportive fans.

When a team has their fans backing them up all the way, it gives them another reason to make a successful run throughout the post-season.

There is no doubt in my mind that it will be back next season, therefore giving the Grizzlies squad yet another reason to make the Finals.

7. Something to Prove

The Grizzlies have built the reputation as one of the league's worst franchises in terms of success. Before last season, they had made the playoffs just three times since 1995(2004, 2005, 2006) and were swept in the first round in each of those appearances.

Prior to last season, they had virtually no expectations. It was a young squad with little to no experience in the playoffs.

Last year they used that as momentum to make an outstanding playoff run.

This offseason, for some reason, there is little talk of back-to-back playoff appearances for the Grizzlies, when they've definitely earned the hype equal to that given to the Thunder two years back.

A chip on the Grizzlies' shoulder is exactly what the rest of the Western Conference should be afraid of.

6. Tony Allen's Defensive Energy

With Boston, Tony Allen played as the second or third string small forward. His energy was useful, but not implemented often enough for it to truly affect the Celtics' success.

He was given that chance when he signed with the Memphis Grizzlies.

He provided experience for the young Grizzlies(having won a ring in Boston) and played a key role in the Memphis' success last year.

What also shined was his defensive play against multiple players during last season's playoffs. His defensive-minded play got the best of players such as Manu Ginobili, Russel Westbrook, and Kevin Durant.

His willingness to run the defense helped the Memphis Grizzlies contain multiple players that otherwise would pose a huge threat on the team.

5. Mike Conley

Mike Conley was signed a hefty contract last year. This caused many people to speculate if Conley was worth the contract he was given.

No one is speculating anymore.

Conley combined speed, strength, and play-making ability to run a successful offense last year for the Grizzlies.

He can only get better from here and shows no signs of slowing down.

4. Marc Gasol

Marc Gasol is now known as the only good thing the Grizzlies got out the trade that sent Pau Gasol to Los Angeles.

He is recognized as a dominant post presence with solid defensive skills. Like his brother, he shows finesse in the low-post.

He has proven himself as one of the league's top 5 centers, and at a young age, can improve to become even better.

Look for him to match-up well against players such as Andrew Bynum, Dwight Howard, and Andrew Bogut.

3. Rudy Gay's Talent

Rudy Gay is probably one of the league's most potent talents. He is athletic, as developed his mid-range shot, and is surprisingly clutch.

Unfortunately, he was injured throughout the entire post-season. But the silver lining of that situation is knowing that the Grizzlies will be even better next year with Gay, than they were this last season without him.

When speaking of freakish athletes, Rudy Gay has to come to mind. He has a long wingspan and has exceptional hops.

With Rudy Gay playing during the playoffs, the Grizzlies will be that much better.

2. Zach Randolph's Leadership

Zach Randolph has endured some unsuccessful tenures with many different teams throughout his NBA career. With the Grizzlies, he proved he can succeed in the NBA.

With Rudy Gay on the DL, Randolph made a name for himself as a great leader on a very young team.

He performed better than a lot of superstars in the post-season and proved he was deserving of his back-to-back all-star game appearances.

Next year you can expect Z-Bo's game to mesh even better with the Grizzlies' offense.

1. Energy

Energy is what was lacking for many teams eyeing a championship. It happened to the Lakers, Celtics, Spurs, and during the Finals, the Heat.

Energy was one of the Grizzlies' greatest assets during their championship run.

Their fans were as supportive as can be, players were flexing muscles, pumping fists, and pulling jerseys out.

With energy behind them, it will drive them all the way to the NBA Finals(and perhaps to an NBA title).