Memphis Grizzlies Travel to Portland for Game 3
Apr 22, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Tony Allen (9) and Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) during game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Portland Trail Blazers 97 – 82 Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
The Memphis Grizzlies have attained a firm grasp on their first round series against the Portland Trail Blazers and the Grizz will look to strengthen their leverage with a victory in Saturday’s Game 3.
The Memphis Grizzlies currently lead their first round series two games to none versus the Portland Trail Blazers. After notching two big home victories–both by double digits–the Grizz head to Oregon to take on the Blazers for Game 3 on Saturday.
This is a huge game for Memphis’ Zach Randolph. Why? He will be playing his first ever road playoff game versus the team that originally drafted him in 2001 and jumpstarted his career for his first six NBA seasons. This has got to be in the back of Z-Bo’s mind and he is sure to produce a classic performance for Grizz Nation.
Apr 19, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the game in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Not only is this a big game for Randolph, but it is a massive contest for the Grizzlies’ franchise as a whole. This is the first time the club has ever led a series 2-0; therefore, if Memphis prevails on Saturday night, it will be the squad’s first time leading three games to none in a single playoff series. That fact is rather impressive considering the strong teams Memphis has formed over the past several seasons.
For Portland, LaMarcus Aldridge has managed the bulk of the weight for their offense. Will Damian Lillard‘s shot be falling tonight? He has only made one three-pointer in the first two playoff games combined due to Mike Conley, Beno Udrih, and Tony Allen playing exceptional defense. Their bench needs to contribute, too. Aldridge needs help; otherwise, Memphis will be looking at another double-digit win.
Despite both teams being hit with the injury bug before this series began, which have lingered through the first two games, there are some big changes that the NBA world will see on Saturday night in Game 3. What are those changes? Take a look via the remainder of Beale Street Bears‘ Game 3 preview.
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