Can Grizzlies Go All The Way? Yes.
That answer was not in the most serious context but there is validity in that claim. The Grizzlies have been one of the better teams in the Playoffs – wouldn’t say surprise as that goes to the Golden State Warriors – after boasting 56 regular season victories, they’ve won 7 of their last 8 playoff games.
It could be argued that they have had the toughest path in the playoffs so far, ousting the up-and-coming Clippers lead by Chris Paul and Blake Griffin in 6 games despite losing the first two. Now, they are 3-1 up against the Thunder who were denied in the Finals of the NBA last season. (Bulls might have had a tougher path)
They have already mustered 3 more Playoff games than they managed last season – and they don’t look like they’re going to stop there. They are the only team, aside from the Spurs who really have the size, talent and physicality to contest the Heat. I can see them dominating the Warriors while struggling slightly against the Spurs, then taking on the Heat for the apetizers to prepare for the champaign.
You could go back as far as January 30th, when the Grizzlies supposedly traded important star forward Rudy Gay for the aging & deteriorating Tayshaun Prince. A move that many didn’t like turned out to pay great dividends for Lionel Hollins.
The Grizzlies offense has been much more fluid, controlled and shared. While previously Gay took many ill-advised shots (a very huge chunk) and essentially killed most offensive actions while not providing much help defense on the other end, Tayshaun Prince provided the Grizzlies with a veteran, Championship winning, perimeter defender who can knock down the occasional shot.
Taking out the 20 mostly-contested midrange jumpers Gay took away, the Grizzlies have been able to feed the ball into the paint far more. While allowing more room for the perimeter players to hit threes or drive into the paint. Literally the situation OKC wish they were in – they have a far more talented Rudy Gay on their hands in Durant, who doesn’t (can’t in his case) involve his teammates and takes many midrange jumpers.
In Round 1 the inside domination was put in evidence with Randolph and Gasol, who was recently awarded as Defensive Player of the Year while somehow missing out on all of the Defensive Teams of the Year, the duo dominating the paint both defensively and offensively. This continued in Round 2 where OKC’s lack of inside presence was smartly exploited by Hollins.
Memphis has 3 games to win and proceed to the next round, but will look to do it tonight in Oklahoma to prepare against one of either San Antonio or Golden State, both daunting tasks.
How can Memphis do it? The odds aren’t in their favour, Oklahoma has lost just 2 home games in the Playoffs this season.
Get Ibaka into foul trouble early. Ibaka hasn’t been in his best form, but having him out of the game and out of rhythm early means almost no bigmen to contest Memphis’ 7 foot twin towers. Without an inside presence, OKC would basically give the game to Memphis & allow Gasol and Randolph to dominate.
Let Michael Conley do what he does. It’s not really a revelation, Michael Conley is a good point guard. He was destined to be pretty darn good since he was drafted along with Greg Oden whom he played college with (though the latter was supposed to be a big star…) and he has proved that he fully deserved the hype he received. He has been the unsung hero of this Grizzlies team who’s media attention revolves mostly around rugged defense and Marc Gasol.
Don’t step off the pedal. Simply put – the Grizzlies are on fire. They have 3 games to win it, but they should do it tonight. Momentum is key in the Playoffs, and allowing the Thunder any hint of a chance to swoop the series would off-set the entire series for the Grizzlies. Keeping focus and playing like it’s an elimination game (it is – for the Thunder) is adamant.
Limit Kevin Durant. Double team him even – he’s the only thing going for OKC and is the only player who can keep them alive. Put Prince and Allen on “Durant look” and pester him throughout the game. If OKC stay in the game long enough, Durant is likely to play the entire game – or most of it. Interchange the wing defenders so that they always have the edge, physically, over Durant.
Exploit the frontcourt. Bigmen have always been a focal factor in a Championship team. Whether it was the Spurs with Duncan and Robinson, or the Celtics with Garnett and Perkins, physical and most importantly big players are key in the Playoffs. The Grizzlies have two very big men, but they are also super-talented offensively and one happens to be the Defensive Player of the Year.
The Grizzlies visit the Thunder in an elimination game as they lead 3-1. Will they advance to the next round, or will they have to wait another game while elongating the process? Look the game tonight 9:30 PM ET.
