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Memphis Grizzlies’ Adjustments: Round 1, Game 2

By Christian Dudley

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Apr 19, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies dominated Game 1 of the first round in the 2015 NBA Playoffs versus the Portland Trail Blazers, but they can change some things in Game 2.

It is no secret that the Portland Trail Blazers will be drastically changing their game plan for Wednesday’s Game 2 in Memphis, Tennessee.

In Game 1, the Grizzlies led by double digits nearly the entire way. Memphis was able to do anything they wished on both ends of the floor. Although Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge finished the game with 32 points, he still shot abysmally–making just 13 of his 34 tries. Going through L-Train was the only worthy option for the Blazers on Sunday because their next-best option, Damian Lillard, struggled even more. Lillard could not get a three-pointer to go down and overall, he went 5/21 from the field. Dame connected on just four of his seven free-throws.

It is only reasonable to expect the Trail Blazers to nail more of their shots in Game 2, although the Memphis Grizzlies’ defense is world class. Portland’s 33.7 field goal percentage in Game 1 was atrocious to say the least. They could very well have a similar performance despite whatever they want to write on chalkboards in their locker room. Regardless, the Grizz need to stay hungry and continue to torment the Blazers for all 48 minutes of each game. The Blazers could not make their open shots on Sunday and Memphis needs to ensure that open shots are not allowed. Good looks will result in made jumpers for Portland unless the Grizzlies turn the water off.

Apr 19, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Beno Udrih (19) goes to the basket against Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) during the game in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Another adjustment that will need to be made by the Memphis Grizzlies is to give Beno Udrih some help from other reserves. Udrih had a massive game for the home team on Sunday–tallying 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in just over 24 minutes of play. He owned all but nine of Memphis’ bench points. Vince Carter will need to play efficiently. Kosta Koufos may even need to look make his presence known on the scoreboard being as Portland cannot stop the Grizzlies’ frontcourt.

Suprisingly, given the Memphis Grizzlies’ elite frontcourt status amongst all other NBA rosters, M-Town came up short in the rebounding department in Game 1. Portland edged them by eight boards overall, with those eight all coming from the offensive category. That equaled 16 offensive rebounds for the Trail Blazers in one game. That absolutely cannot continue this postseason if you are the Memphis Grizzlies. This should be the biggest area needing an adjustment in Game 2 and for the remainder of the series for the Grizz.

With the teams receiving a two-day break between Game 1 and Game 2, Memphis’ Mike Conley and Tony Allen can rest somewhat and focus on healing and recovering from their recent injuries. Both players had big roles in the Grizzlies’ Game 1 victory, but the closer to 100% they both can become, the more beneficial it will be for the squad moving forward throughout the NBA Playoffs. However, the Portland Trail Blazers are likely to insert Arron Afflalo into the lineup on Wednesday after missing their past few games due to a shoulder injury. If so, that gives PDX another two-way option. Assuming Afflalo does suit up, he has not played well in his past two visits to the Grindhouse. Inside of the FedEx Forum, Afflalo posted 5.8 points and 1.2 rebounds less than his season averages in the 2014-15 regular season. The grit-‘n’-grind gets to him, but then again, who does it not?!

Apr 19, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) goes to the basket against Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the game in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Portland Trail Blazers 100 -86.Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Lastly, the Memphis Grizzlies cannot get complacent. That is obvious, but it is worth mentioning. M-Town plays at their best when both Gasol and Randolph receive double digit attempts when it comes to shot-taking. Playing through their frontcourt first and foremost is the Grizzlies’ bread and butter brand of basketball.

The Grizz need to do more of the same and they will achieve another favorable outcome. Do not take the foot off the pedal until the NBA World Championship is reached.

The ball is in your court, Memphis Grizzlies!

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Go Grizz!

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