Grizzly Bear Blues: FanPosts

How and Why the Grizzlies Can (and Should?) Take Advantage of Celtic-ageddon...

2013-06-17T20:05:55Z

So as everyone with a Twitter feed knows, the Celtics and ~~Floppers~~ Clippers are edging toward a deal that would send Kevin Garnett and Doc Rivers to the Clippers and DeAndre Jordan and picks to the Celtics. Now while Brandon Knight has nightmares about possibly having to play Jordan more and Blake Griffin drives around in his time machine Uvo to see what KG as a player used to be, I found myself thinking about how the Grizzlies could take advantage of this situation. So often major deals need a third team to work out the kinks so everyone is happy with the outcome (see Gay, Rudy). Then I remembered this from Celticsblog a while back...

NBA Trade Rumor- Grizzlies Interested in Courtney Lee

And then I did some research and found this, from Hoopsrumors.com...

Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun, who also believes Bargnani is on his way out, hears that the Grizzlies tried to send Darrell Arthur to the Raptors as part of the deal, but Toronto opted instead for Haddadi, whom they will reportedly waive.

And then, I did this...

2 (Desire to get Courtney Lee)+2 (Thought of moving Darrell Arthur)=...

The Grizzlies could ship DA out of town and get a solid wing who the front office has been interested in. OR, if the Celtics are not as interested in DA as they were in the past and just want to dump salary as they begin to rebuild (which is more likely, I would say) and if the hangup in the trade is the Clippers unwillingness to take on that contract, here is where those nice trade exemptions from earlier this season come into play. We could, in fact, get Courtney Lee for...(insert nothing joke here).

Thoughts?

NBA Trade Rumor- Grizzlies Interested in Courtney Lee

And then I did some research and found this, from Hoopsrumors.com...

Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun, who also believes Bargnani is on his way out, hears that the Grizzlies tried to send Darrell Arthur to the Raptors as part of the deal, but Toronto opted instead for Haddadi, whom they will reportedly waive.

And then, I did this...

2 (Desire to get Courtney Lee)+2 (Thought of moving Darrell Arthur)=...

Thoughts?

Poll

Do you think the Grizzlies should get Involved in Celtic-ageddon?

Point-Counterpoint, Part II; Z-Moving On, Arguments for Trading Zach Randolph

2013-06-06T20:26:44Z

Click Here for Part One Arguing for Keeping Zach Randolph

As the coaching picture of the Grizzlies continues to be more and more muddled, the roster of the Grizzlies has lost a little bit of attention. There are major questions regarding most players on the roster not named Marc, Mike or Quincy. While some (Austin Daye, Jerryd Bayless) are almost certainly not expected to be back, others such as local legends Tony Allen and Zach Randolph become a bit more dicey. The trade of Rudy Gay supposedly freed up space to bring back soon to be Free Agent TA; "the Grindfather" is beloved in Memphis and his status as the top perimeter defender in the NBA was further cemented in this past season's All-NBA Defensive voting. He should be back.

Zach, however, is an interesting situation. He is owed over $18 million dollars this coming year. He is getting older and his style of play is becoming more and more obsolete in a length and athleticism driven modern NBA. The major piece of the Rudy Gay deal was Ed Davis, a 6'10" athletic freak who is considered by many a future star PF in the league. Also, coming off an All-Star season his value may never be higher in terms of a trade. This is not a piece arguing for amnestying Zach; it makes more sense to keep him than pay him to leave. This argues for moving Z-Bo to a team that needs a star big, and there will be suitors for Zach. Three reasons for moving the big guy...

Reason 1- The future is looking over his shoulder. Using the system that the Grizzlies front office probably leans on heavily, John Hollinger's PER, the difference between Zach Randolph and Ed Davis using advanced analytics is .1. Is PER an imperfect measurement system? Absolutely, but using it as a tool to interpret overall play is valuable. Ed Davis' offensive efficiency is impressive; he is an excellent finisher around the rim, shooting 61% from inside the paint this past season. Now, it is a smaller sample size comapred against Zach, but Z-Bo in the same area shot 53% within the same area. An argument for Zach and against Ed would be his ability to stretch out his game past the paint, but Zach from just outside the paint this season only shot 32%. Ed Davis shot 42% for the season from the same areas.

And that is just a shooting argument. Defensively, Ed Davis' ability to move and block shots is far superior to Zach's. I have trouble seeing Ed struggle as much as Zach did on pick-and-roll defense. There is no denying that Ed needs to add some muscle mass and work on his post defense; I remember Emeka Okafor abusing him, for example. He also needs to commit to learning the system on both ends of the court. But Ed is 24 years old, an explosive athlete who can still be a paint presence to compliment Marc Gasol's all-around game and will only cost the team $3 million this coming season. Ed has room to grow, but the potential is staggering, and it may be time to allow the Big Boss Man to show what he's got.

Reason 2- A trade can make the team better now and in the future. This team needs better perimeter scoring. Period. There are ways to get this through dealing Tayshaun, or Darrell Arthur. The biggest bang-for-your-buck deal, however, would likely involve Zach Randolph. There are several teams that would like to have a PF of Zach's caliber. Here are some possible trade scenarios, brought to you by the beloved NBA Trade Machine; once again, purely hypothetical.

Scenario 1- Memphis gets Paul Pierce, Al Harrington. Boston gets Zach Randolph, Arron Afflalo and Mo Harkless. Orlando gets Tayshaun Prince, Jason Terry and a future 1st round pick from Boston.

This trade would give Memphis two three point shooting threats, one being a stretch big, plus an expiring contract in Paul Pierce. Boston gets a big to help Garnett, a solid 2 in Afflalo and a future SF in Harkless. Orlando gets another first round pick as they rebuild for the future plus some veteran leadership to help mold a young team.

Scenario 2- Memphis gets Chris Bosh, Kirk Hinrich. Miami gets Zach Randolph and Richard Hamilton. Chicago gets 2 2nd round draft picks.

LeBron recently talked about how they did not have a Zach Randolph type presence in the post. Well, here is your chance to get one. Bosh is moved to a team that could use his spacing abilities, allowing for Marc to command the post area more and for Ed Davis to be the "next big in" for a season so he doesn't have to start right away. Hinrich can be a veteran PG/SG who can be a stop gap measure between Wroten and a full back-up role. Miami gets that post presence plus another wing who can shoot in Rip Hamilton. Chicago only gets 2nd rounders, but they get out of the Luxury Tax, very desirable for them.

There are other possible deals; Zach for Favors and Hayward, Zach for Thad Young and Spencer Hawes, Zach for Humphries, MarShon Brooks and a 1st round pick (yuck.) The point is, there is value there that can add depth to the roster and still add athleticism and shooting.

REASON 3- The Marc Gasol dilemma. Marc Gasol is quite possibly the best big man in the entire NBA. He can shoot, pass, defend, he is a revelation at a position that some said was a dying one in the league. One of his biggest strengths, however, is not utilized as much as it could be, and that is his low post game. A trade of Zach would allow for Marc to utilize his entire tool chest; using a trade scenario from above, imagine a Conley-Pondexter-Pierce-Harrington-Gasol lineup where 4 shooters space along the 3 point line and Marc gets the entire paint to himself. Imagine the slashing possibilities for Mike and Q, the open shots for Pierce and Harrington. Insert any other possible shooters (Korver, Webster, Brewer, Redick) and there is real potential from an offensive perspective. Marc has a real possibility to go from very good to great, but his big brother-from-another-mother may just be standing in his way at this point in his career.

So, there you have it. Arguments for moving Z-Bo; Ed Davis is the future at that position, Zach has trade value to help grow the roster and his absence may help Marc grow like Rudy's departure helped Mike Conley. After looking at both sides of the argument more in depth, I think that Zach should stay. He still has good basketball left in him, and if the Grizzlies are able to move smaller contracts like Darrell Arthur and Tayshaun Prince they will still be able to add shooters to help the spacing issues. Marc and Zach are the best big combo in the league, and that is a rarity that can come in handy against teams like the Miami Heat and others who are going smaller in their rosters. Keep this core together, tweak here and there to space the floor and push for the Finals these last two seasons of Zach's contract. Thanks for reading.

Click Here for Part One Arguing for Keeping Zach Randolph

Scenario 1- Memphis gets Paul Pierce, Al Harrington. Boston gets Zach Randolph, Arron Afflalo and Mo Harkless. Orlando gets Tayshaun Prince, Jason Terry and a future 1st round pick from Boston.

Scenario 2- Memphis gets Chris Bosh, Kirk Hinrich. Miami gets Zach Randolph and Richard Hamilton. Chicago gets 2 2nd round draft picks.

Poll

What Do You Think the Grizzlies Should Do With Zach Randolph

Julius Erving on analytics

2013-06-06T19:56:14Z

Here's what the doctor had to say. It doesn't appear to me that he is very impressed with it. Now if only I could find out what other legends of the game have to say about it.

When asked about the direction of the 76ers these days and the implementation of analytics, Erving could only laugh — as many old-school basketball people do — at the thought of it being the new way of the NBA.

"Analytics? You want to explain?" Erving semi-joked. "Is that like a new category or something, or stats or analysis of players, character? Thing that have always existed but now there's a title for it? It's turning basketball into rocket science, right? I think if a team does it and they win, they everybody is going to do it. If the team is a cellar dweller, you can analyze all they want, nobody is going to follow them. But if they are doing it successfully and it's publicized, people are going to follow. You're talking about 30 teams, you're not talking about 300. It's very easy to get the memo, get the word, and find somebody to do the same thing."

Here's what the doctor had to say. It doesn't appear to me that he is very impressed with it. Now if only I could find out what other legends of the game have to say about it.

When asked about the direction of the 76ers these days and the implementation of analytics, Erving could only laugh — as many old-school basketball people do — at the thought of it being the new way of the NBA.

"Analytics? You want to explain?" Erving semi-joked. "Is that like a new category or something, or stats or analysis of players, character? Thing that have always existed but now there's a title for it? It's turning basketball into rocket science, right? I think if a team does it and they win, they everybody is going to do it. If the team is a cellar dweller, you can analyze all they want, nobody is going to follow them. But if they are doing it successfully and it's publicized, people are going to follow. You're talking about 30 teams, you're not talking about 300. It's very easy to get the memo, get the word, and find somebody to do the same thing."

Point-Counterpoint; Don't Z-Go, Arguments for Keeping Zach Randolph

2013-06-05T14:39:50Z

This off-season has already been a tumultuous one for our beloved Memphis Grizzlies and it is only eight days old. Between the Lionel Hollins' war on media and the Front Office apparently being torn between a successful past and an analytic future, there has been plenty of fodder for fans and radio shows alike to talk, blog, tweet and comment about. One of the aspects of the early off-season discussion is what to do to improve the major weakness of the roster; perimeter shooting. On this site, various viewpoints have been spoken on, one of them being a trade of Zach Randolph. In a two-part FanPost (I LOVE being a teacher! SUMMER!!!!!!!), I will take a look at both sides of the argument on dealing arguably the most popular Grizzly of all time, three reasons per side. Part one, I focus on keeping the big fella.

Reason 1- He was an All-Star, remember? 4th in the NBA in Double-Doubles and he has become an elite rebounder, averaging 2 more this past season than his career average. His defense has improved during his time in Memphis to the point where he is apparently capable of shutting down Dirk Nowitski for stretches of time. Z-Bo has become a more willing passer as well, especially post-Rudy, enabling better ball movement and allowing for Marc and Mike to be a bigger part of the offensive picture. The Rudy trade enabled Marc and Mike to take more offensive ownership while the high-low, inside-out philosophy that makes Zach so effective came back into focus. He had a good season; below his career average in shooting, but his growth in other areas and Marc and Mikes development absorbs some of that going forward.

Reason 2- We can move others to make the team better. Someone, somewhere will take on Tayshaun Prince. He still has value as a player. If you keep Zach, Ed Davis and Jon Leuer to be a stretch 4 type, Darrell Arthur becomes more expendable as well. There are teams out there that need/want leadership and the stretch 4 abilities that DA brings to the table. So, Tayshaun, DA, and we have 3 2nd round picks that we likely won't use all of. Time for some Trade Machine fun...

Scenario 1- Memphis gets Jason Terry, Jordan Hill. Boston gets Darrell Arthur, Steve Blake and 2nd round pick (60th Overall). Lakers get Tayshaun Prince, Brandon Bass, 2nd round pick (41st Overall).

This only works if Metta World Peace opts out of his contract. This solves problems for all involved; Boston and L.A. get picks to use to get younger, Boston dumps some salary in their attempt to get under the Luxury Tax, Memphis dumps about $1 million themselves while adding shooting and a backup C and the Lakers get leadership in Tayshaun and a spacing PF in Bass. Looking more and more like they will be playing Pau at C more this season...

Scenario 2- Memphis gets Jared Dudley, Daniel Orton. Oklahoma City gets Marcin Gortat, Darrell Arthur. Phoenix gets Tayshaun Prince, Kendrick Perkins, OKC's 1st round pick (12th overall) and Memphis' 55th overall pick.

This trade gets the Grizzlies a great piece in Dudley who can play SG or SF and shoot the 3, plus a developmental C in Orton from OKC. Plus, it frees up about $3.5 million in cap space. OKC gets a pretty big upgrade at the C position in Gortat and a PF in Arthur who can spread the floor when Collison or Thabeet are in. Phoenix takes on two veterans who can help them defensively plus get two draft picks, including OKC's valuable 12th overall. They can take another big there and with 3 1st round picks can look to the future with vets to lead the way the next couple of seasons.

Reason 3- Zach has become an icon here in Memphis. Between his charity work, his Growl Towel inducing catch phrases, his Ninja Turtle-esque look and the growth he has made as a person during his career, the ~~We Don't~~ Bluff City has really developed a strong affection for Zach. He has taken to Memphis as well, making the largest real estate purchase of the year in the 901 so far in is $3 million dollar new home. He says he will be staying in Memphis regardless of the future and he, along with Tony, are major parts of how the Grizzlies embody the city so well. Letting go of that could very well affect ticket sales, early on especially, and while the Rudy trade's success should have given the front office some room for trust, a Zach trade would really push the envelope.

So there you have it, three reasons for holding on to "Old Man River." The issues with Zach in the Spurs series were more about the Spurs disrespecting Tony and Tay's outside shooting ability than Zach's skills diminishing. Through other moves the Grizzlies can get the spacing they need while keeping the core of TA, Zach, Marc and Mike together. What has developed in Memphis between the city and team happened very naturally and is a real connection you rarely see in professional sports, and Zach is a big part of that relationship. While the city would probably still support the team even with his departure, it would be strained and tested, which may not be in the new front office's best interest at this point.

Stay tuned for part II, the arguments FOR dealing Zach Randolph.

Scenario 1- Memphis gets Jason Terry, Jordan Hill. Boston gets Darrell Arthur, Steve Blake and 2nd round pick (60th Overall). Lakers get Tayshaun Prince, Brandon Bass, 2nd round pick (41st Overall).

Stay tuned for part II, the arguments FOR dealing Zach Randolph.

Early Offseason Speculation Texts

2013-06-03T17:21:55Z

So many of you know Keith G. Edwards Jr. and I happen to be best friends writing for the same site. It would not surprise you to find out, then, that our texting thread on our phones contains a vigorous coverage of all things Grizzlies, both news and speculation. We talk through scenarios, pretend we are the GM(s) and make moves that we "know" would work out for the best. Things are pretty busy for the Grizzlies this offseason, so without cutting into front page importance, I thought I would add to the chaos with our take on the changes Memphis should make before the 2013 season gets started. Below are snippets of our texts from the past week.

Keith: Give me your top 10 guys you want to target in the offseason (sends me picture of all available free agents on a yellow legal pad).

Ryan: (Response with a similar picture of the exact same list I had done earlier in the day #bestbians) I have 15. No particular order on this list and some one is a trade candidate: J.J. Redick, Martell Webster, Eric Maynor, Jose Calderon, Mike Dunleavey, Gary Neal, Jason Collins, Kyle Korver, Earl Clark, Metta World Peace, Danny Granger, Greg Oden, Devon Harris, Matt Barnes, D.J. Augustin.

Keith: MWP has a team option, right? Priority number one, once we figure out our coach and resign Tony...so I guess priority number three...is to move [Tayshaun] Prince.

Ryan: Player option. 7.7 mil, wow that'd be awesome if he opted out.

Keith: Yeah it would! If we can move Prince for no added cost, we could have enough money to sign MWP and Redick. Still need a back up big and point guard though, which we could address through the draft or via Tony Wroten.

Ryan: From all favorable scenarios, it looks as though, minus any veteran minimum guys, we are only going to be able to get a PG OR a back up center. Which would you prefer?

Keith: Back up center. #freeWroten Keep in mind, we can go over the cap this year. We avoided repeater penalties, so this would be a clean slate year.

Ryan: I just have no idea how new management is going to operate so I'm just assuming we're staying around cap level.

Keith: Fair enough. Can you imagine a Mike/Tony/Q/JJ/Gasol small lineup?

Ryan: I don't think Q would be big enough to play the 4-spot. How about Mike/JJ/Q/Metta/Gasol. So many corner threes. Two guys in each Corner.

Keith: Q's probably not, just wanting to combat that Thunder lineup.

Ryan: (sends picture of above 2 shooters per corner play) I want Metta. Immediately.

Keith: So starting lineup could be Mike-TA-Metta-ZBo-Marc. Have Q and JJ, two 40+% three point shooters on the bench. Please, please Lord make this happen.

Ryan: Plus whatever you get in a Prince-Darrell Arthur trade.

Keith: I'm not 100% sure they move Arthur.

Ryan: If you want to move Prince (sigh) you'll have to include some other desirable piece. Or Ed Davis...Tay and Arthur for Derrick Williams and someone else.

Keith: No way they do that. I don't know you're probably right but I just think Prince has a good enough defense and name recognition that someone will give you a pick of some sort for him.

Ryan: I would prefer usable personnel in return. Can you do picks for players straight up? Aren't their salary obligations...How about this, Tay and Arthur for Al Harrington.

Keith: Ugh...what's his salary?

Ryan: $7.1 mil then $7.6 the next year. Back up big/center. Magic could be looking to move him with young talent on roster and Nerlens Noel as a potential pick.

Keith: Ugh...I don't like that. That would mean choosing between MWP/JJ. Plus I don't think this FO pays $7 mil for a back up center. I'd rather get MWP/JJ and sign a touch guy like Nazr Mohammed.

Ryan: Al's contract is a bad contract but we'd be sending $10M and getting back $7M. Making money. And imagine Al and Zach on the floor together. Rebound City.

Keith: Harrington is stretch guy. Likes the three ball.

Ryan: So he likes scoring. Last time I checked, WE NEED THAT.

Keith: Nazr shoved Lebron James! He can play for my team any day of the week...there has to be a better option, especially if we're giving up DA. We should be able to get a solid pick for both those guys with no salary required.

Ryan: (still stuck on Al Harrington) No I like this. You wouldn't have to choose. Mike-Wroten, TA-JJ, MWP-Q, ZBo-Big Ed, Gasol-Big Al. Who doesn't love the adorable moniker Big Ed and Big Al? Plus Leuer, Green and Reed that's projected at $78M.

(Later date)Ryan: Dallas looking to move out of 13th pick. Would you trade last two second rounders for that pick?

Keith: Who is projected to go then?

Ryan: Couple of role players, few centers, international guys.

Keith: Michael Carter Williams would be a solid backup. That's not just my Syracuse love talking, I've seen him at 10-11.

Ryan: But...Wroten. I think we're looking a SF or a center there.

Keith: Any chance Otto Porter falls that far? (No.) 13 is guaranteed salary and decently high for someone we don't know if they'll work out. Remember Xavier Henry? I don't want another failed draft pick.

Ryan: Guaranteed money IS a big deal.

Keith: I know that's why I'd have to be certain they wouldn't be a bust. A mock I'm looking at has MCW at 14, Kelly Olynyk at 15...don't want him...and Tim Hardaway Jr. at 23. We'd be reaching for him at 13, though he interests me.

(Conversation about how I think BJ Novak would be an interesting replacement for Seth Meyers as head writer and Weekend Update host on SNL & Keith mistakenly using the women's restroom at a children's fun center)

Keith: Tony Allen - 3 years, $18-20 million. Doable/fair/worth it?

Ryan: With a one dimensional player, even the best in the league, it's hard to justify over 6 million per year. He's probably earned it, especially from Memphis. I just don't see another team paying him $7M...so yeah, at 6.

Listen to Chris on The Sports Syndicate radio show w/Mook Washington

2013-05-28T22:17:17Z

Hey everyone. Here's a link where you can listen to me talk Griz tonight with Mook Washington (of Kevin and Rock Radio) at The Sports Syndicate out of Washington DC. The site should continuously stream Tuesday night's show until next week.

The Sports Syndicate - hosted by Mook Washington, produced by Kyle Veater

It's great for so many people around the country to finally be taking notice of the Bluff City and our amazing relationship with the Grizzlies. I'm just hoping their line of interviewing doesn't lead me to break down and violently sob on air tonight.

I'm actually in a really good place today. What this team accomplished was incredible and it's provided an amazing energy for the whole city. My fiancee and I took a leisurely drive through downtown this afternoon, strolled down to Harbor Town and gazed at the Mississippi, and even attempted to go to the zoo before realizing that 90% of the rest of the city was also thinking the same thing.

Grind on!

The Sports Syndicate - hosted by Mook Washington, produced by Kyle Veater

Grind on!

The Wendigo Era Must Begin Tonight...An Open Letter to Marc Gasol

2013-05-27T16:14:04Z

Hey, you...yeah, you, the 7'1" 270 pound Spanish bear who may or may not frequent nude beaches in Spain according to SI.

I know, as Kelly details often you would rather be a point guard. I also know that you are a great teammate and defender, as does the rest of the NBA now. You don't get DPoY any other way. I get that you and Z-Bo are brothers from another mother. I understand that you think Mike is a top PG in the NBA; you're right, he is. All of this is well and good a majority of the time and you're selflessness and pride in the team is a major part of why we Memphians love you so much. You're one of us, and as a transplant Memphian you're a major reason why I love this team.

All that being said, damn it Marc, it's time. It's time for the post to become yours. You and Zach can share the space; at this point, it is about winning, not about anybody's ego. Make the offense yours. Get your massive Spanish body in the box and crush. Smash. Use your finesse move, the Dream Shake, the baby hook, the standing jumper from the top of the key. Hell, even though it makes me want to dropkick people, shoot a fade away a few times. Your defensive domination is clear; now it is time to make the offensive end your home as well. You are the key to this team now. Zach is still important, Mike is still important. But you are the Franchise, the second team All-NBA player. Now is your time; if the Grizzlies are going to make history, it is going to be because you became "The Man."

As outlined in an awesome article on this site, the Wendigo is a monster that humans can transform into. It is a violent specter, tall and lanky, with glowing eyes and terrible claws, according to Super-Wiki. Here's my favorite part from the link...

The Wendigo's full powers have never been recorded.

If that isn't fitting of Big Spain, I don't know what is. It's time. Time to embrace your new role on this team. Time to dig deep, as Lionel Hollins said yesterday, into your soul and see what you've got. Greatness breeds greatness, and your teammates will rise with you to make history. But it starts with you. Take what is yours and become Wendigo. As Popovich says, there is no Game 3, there is no Game 5, there is only Game 4. It starts tonight.

Confucius said "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." From the depths of an 0-3 deficit against one of the great teams in the NBA, this Memphis team can rise to the greatest glory imaginable in professional basketball. But it starts with you. It's time for the Marc Gasol era to begin. It is time for Wendigo to rise.

Hey, you...yeah, you, the 7'1" 270 pound Spanish bear who may or may not frequent nude beaches in Spain according to SI.

The Wendigo's full powers have never been recorded.

Assessing the Grizzlies-Spurs Series After Two Games

2013-05-22T16:45:25Z

The Spurs hung on to win game two in overtime, despite blowing an 18-point third quarter lead, and because of that, they lead this Western Conference Finals Series 2-0. Tim Duncan scored 6 huge points in the overtime to lead the Spurs in the extra period. Let’s take a look at each team and how they look with the rest of the series looming.

This article is also seen at RogersSecondTake.webs.com

Memphis

Memphis now heads home, a place where they are 5-0 during their postseason run. Despite being absolutely hammered in game one, and thoroughly outplayed for the majority of game two, the Grizzlies have reason to be confident heading home.

Team leader Zach Randolph, who played horribly in game one, and also had a bad first half in game two, looks like he is starting to get going. He finished the game with 15 points and 18 rebounds, with much of the production coming in the second half. Without Randolph playing at the top of his game, the Grizzlies do not have a chance. He has been the constant for Memphis the past few years in the playoffs and this series can be no different. As Memphis heads back home for game three Saturday, Randolph needs to continue his surge we saw late in the game in game two.

Defensive player of the year Marc Gasol is playing well for Memphis, grabbing 14 rebounds last night. When Gasol and Randolph play well together, it is nearly impossible for a team to keep up with them on the boards. Memphis lost last night, and they still outrebounded San Antonio 60-44. That needs to get better for the Spurs or they will struggle to win again in the series. Anytime you get outrebounded by large an amount, you better shoot significantly better than the other team, and yesterday San Antonio did.

The group of players that got Memphis back into the game included a pair of super subs, Quincy Pondexter and Jerryd Bayless. Both gave a lot of minutes to the Grizzlies, and both made big plays down the stretch. Bayless, however, made a poor mistake in overtime. He forced a potentially game-tying three pointer with about 12 seconds left. This was a bad mistake, but all in all, the two of these bench players gave great production for Memphis. That needs to stay consistent if they want to hold serve and win their two home games to even up the series.

San Antonio

For about three quarters last night, the Spurs played as pretty a game as you could play. The ball was constantly moving. Shots were being made, as the Spurs knocked down nine three-pointers. The most amazing part to watch was Tony Parker. Despite shooting poorly, which was hardly noticeable while paying attention to the rest of his game, Parker finished with 18 assists. It was a phenomenal performance, and the key to it was penetration. Parker got into the paint at will. If the defenders came to him, he would dish for a dunk or a three-pointer. If nobody came, he would take the basket himself. That is what set San Antonio apart from Memphis throughout the game. San Antonio got great penetration from their guards, while Memphis did not. San Antonio made 11 field goals in the second quarter, every single one of which came off of an assist. That is a testament to the great ball movement and overall offensive flow by the Spurs. For the game, they finished with 29 assists, while the Grizzlies finished with 19.

Though they blew a significant lead, I don’t think it will mentally affect the Spurs. They are too experienced for it to affect them. In fact, it may make them stronger. After blowing the lead, it would have been very tough for an inexperienced team to come back and win in overtime. But the Spurs didn’t blink, and their leader, Tim Duncan made three huge baskets. It was a testament to the experience of the team, and head coach Gregg Popovich, who did not panic after blowing such a huge lead. The Spurs remain, 14 years year after their initial championship, one of the most balanced teams in the league. All five starters scored at least 11 points. Not one scored more than 17. All five players that came in off the bench scored. When the Spurs play with as much flow as they did last night, and with as much balance, it is a chore, even for the defensive minded Grizzlies, to stop them.

Verdict: The Spurs lead this series 2-0, but it is far from over. Game three is back in Memphis on Saturday, and the Grizzlies rarely lose there. Despite not being able to consolidate the comeback in game two, Memphis has to have some additional confidence after making such a run. If Randolph and Gasol play well together, they are a tough team to beat. The Spurs needs to play with the same offensive flow, which makes for very pretty basketball. It is a very interesting matchup, but one thing is for sure. The Grizzlies must win game three, or the Spurs can begin to pack their bags for the NBA Finals. - Matt Rogers 5-22-13

Memphis

San Antonio

The Western Conference Finals- Continuing the Roundtable Tradition

2013-05-17T14:28:12Z

The past two rounds I ~~blatantly copied~~ borrowed the structure of the 1st round roundtable here on the site to give some thoughts on the upcoming series. I was right on some things (X-Factor Tony Allen, Grizzlies in Six vs. the Clippers) and wrong on some (Ed Davis...) The Beale Street Bears won both series, however, and a couple days before the beginning of the biggest couple weeks in Memphis Grizzlies history I thought I would carry on the tradition, this time in FanPost form.

1. In Order For the Grizzlies to Win- They will need Mike Conley to play another elite PG to a near draw. Tony Parker is a bit fatigued/banged up, but he can still crush you with his ability to drive the lane and play off of pick and rolls. Plus, in the final minutes of the closeout game against the Warriors he hit two dagger threes, showing he still has the capability to crush your heart when the game is on the line. Mike did a wonderful job in the last four games of the Clippers series in playing up to and in some cases outplaying CP3, and we will need that Mike Conley to be a consistent member of the WCF wrestling match, as Tony Allen put it on Twitter recently. Mike in the Thunder series had some struggles with his shot at times, but he facilitated the offense, dished out more assists than in the past and was a more complete player through his defensive and rebounding contributions. Parker has had Conley's number in the past, but that was a different Mike Conley; this Mike Conley is a Sports Illustrated cover boy and a legit top 10 PG in the NBA. If we hope to get to the NBA Finals, our floor general will need to lead the way, as usual.

2. The Match-up I am Looking Forward to- Tayshaun Prince vs. Kawhi Leonard. I think this is an underrated pairing in this series but it will be crucial toward the outcome. Leonard has become a more vital piece of the Spurs puzzle as the longest reigning Big Three in the NBA (Duncan, Parker, Ginobili) has aged, and in these playoffs he has really grown in his role. In the playoffs Leonard has been shooting a staggering 56% from the field and while his 3-point shot has fallen off a bit this postseason he is much like our very own Q-Pon in that he can hurt you from the corner in particular. He is also averaging a staggering 8.4 rebounds a game in the postseason. Duncan will play whichever of our bigs he is focused on (likely Gasol, see number 3) to a near draw, so rebounding from other positions is going to be a determining factor in the series. Tayshaun has to continue to be a steadying and guiding force, using his length defensively and on rebounds to keep Leonard off balance while being a consistent passer and a more efficient scorer on the offensive end. A tall task, considering his struggles with his shot, but the better Tay performs, the better off the Grizzlies will be.

3. I would really like to see Marc Gasol officially take the torch from Tim Duncan as the best all-around big in the NBA by soundly defeating him in their head to head battle. Marc has been a revelation in this playoff run, but it hasn't been because his numbers are up across the board; all of his percentages and averages are actually down compared to the regular season. The difference is that he is taking more attempts, hence being more aggressive in increased minutes ofensively and being even more of a force defensively; his blocks per game is the one number that has have gone up and anyone who watches the games can see the impact the Defensive Player of the Year's presence in the paint has (see Kevin Durant's last shot of Game Five.) Someone took the All-First Team NBA Defense snub personally. Gasol has become a national star in this postseason and in this series he can prove he is ready to take on Duncan for his spot atop the all-around mountain top. Timmy won't let it go without a fight, and I expect this to be a classic series between these two.

4. The X Factor- Quincy Pondexter. He is going to be asked to guard multiple types in this series; Leonard, Danny Green, Manu Ginobili, Gary Neal, perhaps even Cory Joseph and Tony Parker for spurts. Different strengths, different weaknesses, multiple opportunities for Quincy to showcase that versatility that he is known for and was worth trading away Grevis Vasquez for. The three ball is a key to the Spurs success, and Quincy's defense on the perimeter will be huge. Offensively, he will need to continue to step up and offset the offensive struggles of Prince. Quincy is shooting 43% from three point land this postseason and will have to offset some of the Spurs fire power from behind the arc, as will Mike and Jerryd Bayless. I think you can make an argument for Zach Randolph as the X-Factor (he has to dominate Splittler/Diaw) and Tony Allen may be on the "All-Time X-Factor" team, but Quincy's all-around game and his ability to defend multiple players makes him the X-Factor in my opinion.

5. Who wins? I am extremely excited about this series. The Spurs are the epitome of small market success; to quote Ric Flair, "To be the man, you gotta beat the man" and the Grizzlies have a chance to complete their remarkable run at redemption by defeating their division rivals and reaching the NBA Finals. The Western Conference will only continue to get tougher, and the aging Spurs will be desperate to get one last crack at a title. This realistically could be the Grizzlies best shot with this core (including Z-Bo and TA) at getting to the Championship, and I am sure the Grizz are approaching it with the sense of urgency that thought process deserves. Getting one of these first two in San Antonio will be key, as another long layoff is on the horizon and that Saturday Game Three after a Tuesday Game Two will result in a toss up game. I feel that much like last season fatigue and injury will be the downfall of the older Spurs, Marc and Zach will control the paint, our defense will rotate on their shooters effectively and the Memphis Grizzlies will win in 6 games, catapulting them into the NBA Finals.

Poll

Who will be the X-Factor in this series?

Quincy Pondexter

3 votes

Tony Allen

1 votes

Zach Randolph

2 votes

Tracy McGrady (just kidding...)

4 votes

10 votes | Poll has closed

Game 5 Thread

2013-05-16T02:09:23Z

Obviously, this is a bellwether moment in Memphis Grizzlies history as for the first time in 18 years of existence, the squad has a chance to advance to the Western Conference Finals. Hopefully, I get lots of participation on this post, and it's always nice making contributions on other blogs.

Well, good luck to the Grizzlies and I'm trying to get to the proper word count, in real-time this post finds the Grizzlies leading 16-15 as Mike Conley makes a floater. Dang, it's always so hard having enough words in this post but hopefully this reaches the sufficient level.

I Saw Marc Gasol Play in High School

2013-05-14T13:10:11Z

I've seen some comments on articles and pictures posted about how funny it is to see the Marc Gasol playing at Lausanne Collegiate School compared to Marc Gasol now.

via cdn.bleacherreport.net

I remember seeing him play in High School. I was also in High School, and my girlfriend went to Lausanne (originally called Lausanne School for Girls). The coolest part about that game to me was seeing Pau watching from the upper deck. I was obviously a huge Pau fan, and I remember watching the game and thinking "Marc's not that good. I can't believe there's hype around this private school kid just because he's Pau's brother".

I am VERY glad to admit that I was WRONG WRONG WRONG! He's one of my favorite players to watch, and I don't watch a Grizzlies game now without my Marc Gasol shirt on (unless it's in the washing machine, because hygiene is important).

Thanks for proving the 15-year-old me wrong. I know that he would be as proud as 27 year old me to see you in a Grizzlies uniform.

I've seen some comments on articles and pictures posted about how funny it is to see the Marc Gasol playing at Lausanne Collegiate School compared to Marc Gasol now.

via cdn.bleacherreport.net

Thanks for proving the 15-year-old me wrong. I know that he would be as proud as 27 year old me to see you in a Grizzlies uniform.

Apparently Robert Pera has a sense of humor, and loves Marc Gasol

2013-05-13T01:51:44Z

If you guys haven't seen this series of tweets from our very own Robert Pera, this will remedy that quickly

Worked on this for fun todayWhat do you guys think? More to follow.. #TheMostInterestingBasketballPlayerInTheWorld twitter.com/RobertPera/sta…
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 12, 2013

One more..#TheMostInterestingBasketballPlayerInTheWorld twitter.com/RobertPera/sta…
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 12, 2013

another.. twitter.com/RobertPera/sta…
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 12, 2013

last one.. twitter.com/RobertPera/sta…
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 12, 2013

Do we have a new moniker for Gasol on our hands?

If you guys haven't seen this series of tweets from our very own Robert Pera, this will remedy that quickly

Worked on this for fun todayWhat do you guys think? More to follow.. #TheMostInterestingBasketballPlayerInTheWorld twitter.com/RobertPera/sta…
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 12, 2013

One more..#TheMostInterestingBasketballPlayerInTheWorld twitter.com/RobertPera/sta…
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 12, 2013

another.. twitter.com/RobertPera/sta…
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 12, 2013

last one.. twitter.com/RobertPera/sta…
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) May 12, 2013

Do we have a new moniker for Gasol on our hands?

Counting Our Grizzlies Before They...Hatch?

2013-05-10T01:57:25Z

Given the recent developments in the Western Conference (Russell Westbrook's injury, Steph Curry and the Warriors' collective unconsciousness ~~which can't possibly continue,right?~~, the Spurs' age coming into focus) more and more the national media is hopping on the Grindwagon. As a matter of fact, according to ESPN's NBA forecast, the Grizzlies are now 60% favorites to advance to the NBA Finals as Western Conference Champions. Here's an excerpt from the article by Royce Webb at ESPN.com...

And one major item of intrigue: Memphis is actually the team Miami probably should fear the most. The Grizzlies hold a 3-2 lead over the Heat in the SuperFriends era, and have the size and defense to make things difficult for LeBron & Co.

In addition to "the mothership" Grizzing in their collective pants, two national NBA personalities on ESPN Radio's "Mike and Mike" program this morning also spoke very highly of the Grizzlies. Dan Le Batard, the star of a ~~terrible~~ ESPN television show and sports columnist, stated the following...

Memphis is terrifying. What Chicago did to Miami in Game 1, Memphis can do to you for a series

Newly crowned Coach of the Year George Karl also spoke on "Mike and Mike" of how Memphis could give the Heat fits if they were to meet in the Finals... He basically said that the size and aggression of Memphis would be difficult for the Heat to handle, and with the perimeter defenders of the Grizzlies the Heat would not be able to impose their collective wills consistently on the offensive end. Plus, who in the hell on the Heat could defend Marc Gasol?

Now, I am just as excited about the bandwagon jumping as the next guy. I love the fact that our Grizzlies are stepping up on the national stage after dispensing of the hated Clippers, and there is no denying that it appears the stars are aligning for a real run that could possibly result in a victory parade downtown ending on Beale Street. I'm hungover just thinking about it...

HOWEVER, we return to the Grindhouse tied at 1-1 against a still very good Oklahoma City team who has the 2nd best player in the NBA on their roster still. Say we control KD, shut down Martin and advance from this series in 6 games after holding home court, losing in Game 5 in OKC to a more desperate team and close it out at home. I believe the Spurs and Warriors are going 7; we will get a couple extra days to rest and scout. The Warriors are a GREAT match-up for us and I would take us over the Warriors in 5. Our perimeter defenders, length and aggression would throw off the momentum of their hot shooting. Plus, we would have home court in that series, and once again, WHO WOULD DEFEND MARC GASOL? However, if Curry and Thompson can do that to the Popovich Spurs, who is to say it couldn't happen to us? Lee could possibly be back for that series as well and Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry are two very solid bench players who could cause serious issues. I remain confident, but they could pose a threat if they survive the Spurs.

Speaking of the Spurs, they would be the tougher series because of familiarity, Duncan, Ginobli's rejuvenated corpse and Parker, who is always a tough guard for the Grizzlies. Still, a good match-up head to head, and I think we could take that series in 6. However, anytime Popovich is involved a team has a chance. Plus, this could be a similar Celtics last stand situation if the Spurs are able to get past the Warriors. They see the same opening to the Heat that we do, which may be a part of their struggles with the Warriors. 6 seed who beat a depleted Nuggets team, why would the mighty Spurs worry themselves? It may be a case of overlooking the competition. I think the Spurs will right the ship and win the series in 7, leading to the Grizzlies meeting up with a desperate team looking their mortality in the face and at their last shot at a title on the horizon. That series would be hell.

So, should we be excited? Yes. Hopeful? Absolutely. We are fans after all, and those among us who have been there from the Pyramid-Reeves-Iverson days especially savor this moment I am sure. However, I caution all of Grizz nation, myself included, to not count their Grizzlies before they hatch. The path to the Finals will go through Kevin Durant and friends and either a young and hungry Golden State team who is red hot and more importantly believes in their coach and that they can beat anyone. Or, it could lead us to a desperate end-of-the-line Spurs team that will not ride off into the sunset so easily. Just because a path is laid out in front of the Beale Street Bears does not mean it won't be long and winding. No one is going to give this team anything; it is up to them to seize the opportunity in front of them and take what is theirs. One thing is for certain, the eyes of the basketball world are now firmly set on the Mid-South. It started with redemption against the red headed stepchildren of L.A., it continues Saturday afternoon in Memphis.

And one major item of intrigue: Memphis is actually the team Miami probably should fear the most. The Grizzlies hold a 3-2 lead over the Heat in the SuperFriends era, and have the size and defense to make things difficult for LeBron & Co.

Memphis is terrifying. What Chicago did to Miami in Game 1, Memphis can do to you for a series

Poll

How are you feeling going forward about the Grizzlies' playoff run?

Confident and focused on closing out OKC

20 votes

Looking ahead of the Westbrookless Thunder and having nightmares about Steph Curry

1 votes

Thinking that the Spurs will run out of juice by the time they meet us in the Western Conference Finals

1 votes

Wait, we aren't playing the Heat Saturday?

0 votes

22 votes | Poll has closed

How to Defend the Thunder

2013-05-08T21:42:37Z

With Russell Westbrook's injury the Thunder have entrusted all hopes of advancing in the playoffs to Kevin Durant; he will have to iterally carry them on his back. We can see that fact by this nugget provided by ESPN's Twitter account: "Kevin Durant has averaged 264 dribbles per game since Russell Westbrook's injury. His season average was 134 (per SportVu)." Currently the Thunder have two types of players: Kevin Durant and everyone else.

I cannot think of another team the Grizzlies played this year with such a huge reliance on a single player, so I don't have any examples of defenses schemes the Grizzlies have previously used. But I can think of two simplified defensive strategies; the Grizzlies will need to choose one of the strategies depending on the situation.

~~Stop~~ Limit Kevin Durant
Limit everyone else

The best part of game 2 was Tony Allen shutting off Durant's water in the last 3 minutes. Durant did not score against Allen in the final period, and Allen forced two turnovers in crucial situations. GrizzNation is ready for TA to guard Durant for four quarters in game 3 and give him hell the whole game now that Hollins has learned TA isn't too short to guard him (btw... it wouldn't surprise me if Hollins had said that fully intending to have TA on Durant in the 4th. A motivated TA plays on a level rarely seen in the NBA). However, I doubt we will see TA on Durant for the majority of game 3 even though he may be the Grizzlies' best option for limiting KD.
And here are two reasons why I'm guessing we won't see it...

Foul Trouble

KD gets to the foul line a lot; he attempted the third most free throws in the 2013 season. With the smaller Allen guarding him, Durant will go to the post where drawing a foul is more likely. Also, Tony's aggressive Grit & Grind style can generate fouls quickly. I don't think I need to argue that the Grizzlies are a better team with TA on the court. I would rather have TA guarding a wing and staying on the court than guarding Durant for 38 minutes and possibly being forced to the bench by fouls.

Who is the Defensive Focus

So far against the Grizzlies, the Thunder have been remarkably consistent, scoring 93 points in both games. Durant has scored 35 and 36 points respectively in games 1 and 2. What's the minimum number of points Durant will score? Durant's a potential MVP every year; he will get his points, especially when he trying to make up for an injured Westbrook. I believe despite the grindiest of effort by the Grizzlies, Durant would still get about 20 points. If the Grizzlies held Durant to 20 points the Thunder would theoretically score 78 points. If the Thunder score 78 points, I believe we could chalk that up as a Grizzlies' victory 9/10 times.

However, there is another way to hold the Thunder to 78 points: limit everyone not named Kevin Durant. In games 1 and 2, Kevin Martin and Derek Fischer respectively have played way above their average. Martin had 25 in game 1 which is 11 points above his average. Fisher had 19 in game 2 which is also 11 points above his average. There is no doubt that TA (and other Grizzlies) could shut these two down... not just hold them average but have them finish with 4 points. Limiting the Thunder role players to average is easier than limiting Durant to a poor night.

I believe it makes more sense for the Grizzlies to use their best defensive player (TA) to limit everyone not named Durant, especially the Thunder perimeter players (the Thunder front-court is not scaring any Grizzly fan). Though fans may not like I believe we will see more of Prince guarding Durant (I feel Prince is due for a great defensive game). That doesn't mean we won't get the pleasure of watching TA harrass Durant; in late, close game situations I fully expect TA to be guarding Durant. Even with Durant playing at this level and scoring 35 a game, by focusing on limiting the offensive production of the rest of the Thunder, the Grizzlies will have a strategy that can earn them a win Saturday in the Grindhouse.

Grindforth, GrizzNation!

~~Stop~~ Limit Kevin Durant
Limit everyone else

Foul Trouble

Who is the Defensive Focus

Grindforth, GrizzNation!

Memphis Grabs Momentum in OKC, and New Memphis Nicknames, such as Mike Conley: Mr. Steady Spectacular

2013-05-08T19:23:29Z

My favorite thing about the 2013 playoffs, thus far, is that TEAMS are winning, while individual stars are losing. This is nothing new. Playoff basketball amplifies weaknesses: coaching weaknesses, individual player weaknesses, and team weaknesses. While we should certainly feel some empathy for Kevin Durant (he is an unselfish scorer) and now Brooks is asking him to become Atlas, the world on his lanky shoulders, we should be praising the teamwork and determination of Memphis. Nearly every shot they take is a smart one. Nearly every defensive possession is a crisp one. Memphis simply doesn’t take plays off. And they have the health and depth to push past their opponents. More importantly, Memphis has been playing this way all season. And most of the last three years. They deserve to be rewarded and they are. Hiring John Hollinger is another example of the way they embrace analytics, player evaluation, and resist convention. The fact that they are small market means they can make the Rudy Gay trade (both saving money and further balancing their offense) without the knee-jerk backlash that would come if they were in Los Angeles or Chicago. Memphis is flat out smart and unselfish. The parallels to San Antonio are many. Great defensive center. Great coaching. Small market. Under the radar. Win with defense.

Mike Conley was steady-spectacular again in the second half of Game 2. Never flashy, Conley, simply plays excellent defense, makes great decision in the pick-and-roll, and drains clutch long-range jumpers. After struggling a bit in the early Sunday Game 1, Conley was the key to Memphis’ offensive balance in Game 2. Conley quietly orchestrates Memphis’ perimeter scoring, making great in-traffic passes to baseline cutters (Tony Allen, Tayshaun Prince) and finding the sweet-shooting Quincy Pondexter whenever he has an opening. Conley is flourishing since the Rudy Gay trade and the offense is more concretely inside-out, with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph providing great picks for him at the top of the key.

Thunder Offense

It’s a testament to Memphis’ defense that they know how to keep everyone but Durant from getting in an offensive groove. Durant’s game 2 (36 pts / 11 reb / 9 ast / 5 turnovers) Scott Brooks has chosen to run everything through Durant at all times Durant is on the court, essentially making him a point forward in the absence of Westbrook. While it’s understandable that Brooks is relying so heavily on Durant (what coach wouldn’t?) Durant’s 4th quarter’s have shown a level of exhaustion that doesn’t bode well for the Thunder. As determined as Durant is, Brooks can’t afford to give him enough rest, and the role players are not doing enough to support him.

Brooks is hesitant to trust Jackson or Martin, and with good reason: Neither can handle Memphis’ defensive pressure. Few can handle it. Even Chris Paul, the league’s steadiest ball-handler and decision-maker, struggled at times after Griffin’s injury. Memphis’ Tony Allen and Mike Conley are two of the best on-the-ball defenders in the game.

What happened when Brooks gave Durant a breather to start the 4th quarter? The five-point lead Durant had spent the third quarter building, slipped away. Two Tony Allen steals (a Kevin Martin pass and a Reggie Jackson dribble) later, Memphis had a 9-2 run and took command, 78-76.

Critical Fragments

27 lead changes in this game: most in a playoff game since 2009
Memphis: 16 offensive rebounds
OKC: 21 turnovers
By getting second chances and forcing turnovers, Memphis took 16 more shots (86-70) than OKC.
Kevin Martin’s 2 of 11
Durant (via shot or pass) has accounted for 62% of Thunder made baskets in Games 1 and 2. Obviously, he needs more help.

Game Scores (thanks to basketball-reference.com)- here's an explanation:

Oklahoma City

Kevin Durant, Captain I-Miss-My-Pal-Russ: 30.8

The M-I-J Trio (Martin-Ibaka-Jackson): 13.2

After combining for 28.7 in Game 1, and barely pulling out the victory thanks to Durant’s heroics and a few untimely Memphis mistakes, the M-I-J Trio were M-I-A, combining for a lowly 13.2 score in Game 2. Add in Fisher’s 14.5, and the quartet’s total is under 28 for the game. Though the game was hard-fought and close, there is no way that Durant can be expected to simply “put this team on his back,” without any help from his teammates.

When I hear Shaq talk about how “Durant” has to step up, it’s obvious Shaq has no idea how to think about performance. Barkley, on the other hand, emphasized how Brooks needs to incorporate Martin and Jackson earlier and more often, in order to attempt to balance the offense, and to save Durant for the fourth quarter.

Kevin Martin, Mr. In-Over-His-Head: 0.4, yes, ZERO-point-four.

Serge Ibaka, Lost-Confidence-Man: 7.4

Reggie Jackson, Mr. Not-Westbrook: 5.4

Derek Fisher, The-Wily-Veteran-Who-Won’t-Retire: 14.5

Fisher dropped in 4 of 5 from distance, and his 14 first-half points were huge to the Thunder’s early lead. Memphis made sure Fisher had no breathing space in the second half.

—

Memphis

In order to analyze the individual performances of Memphis players, the first caveat is that they balance their offense better than any other playoff team, which keeps any of their game scores from being as high as players like Durant and Curry.

Mike Conley‘s Game 2 numbers: 26 pts (11 of 22 from field) / 10 reb / 9 ast / only 2 turnovers; 19 of his 26 points came in second half. Conley’s play was immaculate in the second half. He will be known as Mr. Steady Spectacular for the remainder of these playoffs.

Game Scores, with nicknames:

Mike Conley, Mr. Steady Spectacular: 23.3

Marc Gasol, Efficiency Expert: 23.4

Zach Randolph, Captain Wear-You-Down: 14.0

Visit http://darkoindex.com/2013/05/08/memphis-grabs-momentum-in-okc-mike-conley-is-mr-steady-spectacular/

to read the rest of this post, and follow the NBA playoffs.

Thanks for reading and go Grizz!

Jonah

Thunder Offense

Critical Fragments

27 lead changes in this game: most in a playoff game since 2009
Memphis: 16 offensive rebounds
OKC: 21 turnovers
By getting second chances and forcing turnovers, Memphis took 16 more shots (86-70) than OKC.
Kevin Martin’s 2 of 11
Durant (via shot or pass) has accounted for 62% of Thunder made baskets in Games 1 and 2. Obviously, he needs more help.

Game Scores (thanks to basketball-reference.com)- here's an explanation:

Oklahoma City

Kevin Durant, Captain I-Miss-My-Pal-Russ: 30.8

The M-I-J Trio (Martin-Ibaka-Jackson): 13.2

Kevin Martin, Mr. In-Over-His-Head: 0.4, yes, ZERO-point-four.

Serge Ibaka, Lost-Confidence-Man: 7.4

Reggie Jackson, Mr. Not-Westbrook: 5.4

Derek Fisher, The-Wily-Veteran-Who-Won’t-Retire: 14.5

Fisher dropped in 4 of 5 from distance, and his 14 first-half points were huge to the Thunder’s early lead. Memphis made sure Fisher had no breathing space in the second half.

—

Memphis

Game Scores, with nicknames:

Mike Conley, Mr. Steady Spectacular: 23.3

Marc Gasol, Efficiency Expert: 23.4

Zach Randolph, Captain Wear-You-Down: 14.0

Visit http://darkoindex.com/2013/05/08/memphis-grabs-momentum-in-okc-mike-conley-is-mr-steady-spectacular/

to read the rest of this post, and follow the NBA playoffs.

Thanks for reading and go Grizz!

Jonah

Poll

How will Memphis-OKC finish?

Memphis in 6

14 votes

Memphis in 7

0 votes

OKC in 6

0 votes

OKC in 7

0 votes

14 votes | Poll has closed