NBA Playoffs 2017: Memphis Grizzlies Annihilated in Game 1

After a strong first half, the Memphis Grizzlies disappear after halftime as they fall to the San Antonio Spurs, 111-82.

Everything started out well for the Memphis Grizzlies. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley were firing all cylinders. They jumped out to a quick 13-point lead. UPSET ALERT, am I right?

Wrong.

After being down 26-13, the Spurs outscored them by 42 points for the rest of the way. While Kawhi Leonard (32 points on 11-for-14 shooting) was excellent as always, LaMarcus Aldridge and Tony Parker helped out offensively, scoring 20 and 18 points, respectively. Danny Green also tore the Grizzlies apart on defense, swatting four shots.

The first quarter was great, but the Memphis Grizzlies couldn’t find a rhythm on offense. Aside from Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, Andrew Harrison was the only one to reach double-digits in the points column.

Quick Hits

• Marc Gasol was a beast. Let’s start out with the positives. One of my major keys for this series was “Aggressive Marc.” If post-All-Star break Marc Gasol showed up, this series wouldn’t be a contest. Big Spain was firing on all cylinders, determined to lead the Grizzlies to victory. He has to continue this aggressive play to avoid a quick exit.
• Zach Randolph was terrible. He only scored six points on 13 shots. In 26 minutes of action, he had a +/- of -39. That can’t be happening for one of your best players. Pau Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge both used their length to bother his shot. In addition, Randolph was burned defensively. If his shot isn’t falling, he doesn’t need to be in the game. It should be that simple.
• Tony Allen’s wing replacements failed to step up. Vince Carter, Wayne Selden, James Ennis and Troy Daniels combined for 11 points. If four key guys are collectively responsible for 11 points, you won’t win basketball games. All of them can shoot the deep ball fairly well. If they don’t show it, this series will be over.
• Free Brandan Wright. In only five minutes of action, he blocked two shots. In addition, he was a lob threat for the pick-and-roll. Unlike Zach Randolph, his length and athleticism was great in contained Pau Gasol. There’s just one issue with him: he only played five minutes.

Next: Memphis Grizzlies Playoff Preview

Closing Remarks

It was indeed a rough night. The Spurs did “Spurs” things. It’s plain and simple. The Memphis Grizzlies must rally back in game two in order to gain momentum in this series. Unfortunately, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley can’t do it by themselves. If they want to overcome the monster that is the Spurs, they need contributions from the bench. But hey, #BelieveMemphis!