Memphis Grizzlies Game 4 Recap: Gasol, Conley and Harrison Save the Season

Apr 22, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots a game winning shot over San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) in overtime of game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the San Antonio Spurs 110-108 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots a game winning shot over San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) in overtime of game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the San Antonio Spurs 110-108 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Because of the late-game heroics of Andrew Harrison and Marc Gasol, the Memphis Grizzlies hold off Kawhi Leonard’s San Antonio Spurs to tie the series.

The Memphis Grizzlies were honestly in the worst predicament last night.

  • 22 turnovers.
  • Seven turnovers from their All-Star, Marc Gasol.
  • Vintage Tony Parker (22 points and five assists).
  • A career night for Kawhi Leonard (43 points, 7-for-10 from downtown, eight rebounds, six steals).

It’s surprisingly how close it was, given those circumstances. However, their $153M man put the team on his back, again. All-Star snub Mike Conley put together arguably the best game of his career – 35 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

Andrew Harrison and Marc Gasol put the icing on the cake for this game, making big-time plays to save this series and the Memphis Grizzlies’ season.

The Plays

As the Spurs were approaching an easy fast break lineup, Andrew Harrison made a beeline to the basket and pinned Patty Mills’ layup off the backboard. That clutch block led to Marc Gasol connecting on an “and-1” on the other end, giving the Memphis Grizzlies the lead:

If it weren’t for this block, we might be looking at a 3-1 series deficit.

Then, a few moments later, Andrew Harrison hit two clutch free throws to give the Memphis Grizzlies a three-point lead. On the next play down, the Grizzlies made the biggest mistake of the game: leaving Kawhi open in the corner.

The MVP candidate knocked down a huge triple to tie the game.

Just when all looked lost, amazing happened.

This classic was one of the biggest playoff games in franchise history. As they were down 2-1, Marc Gasol hit the first ever game-winner (a go-ahead shot with under 10 seconds left) in Memphis Grizzlies’ history.

If it weren’t for Conley, Harrison or Gasol, this series would definitely be a 3-1 lead for the Spurs.

Next: Slowing Down Kawhi

Quick Hits

  • JaMychal Green had his best performance of this series, scoring 14 points and hauling in four rebounds. He also connected on two 3-pointers.
  • Zach Randolph had an off shooting night (4-for-12), but he still pulled out a double-double (12 points and 11 rebounds).
  • Troy Daniels received more action in this one, after playing less than a minute in Game 3. He hit two big 3-pointers, including one right between Ginobili’s eyes.
  • Speaking of Ginobili, the future Hall-of-Famer can’t get anything going as he hasn’t scored a single basket in this series.
  • Questionable Pop decision: Pau Gasol had eight points and 11 rebounds. He also collected five offensive rebounds – all in the first half. However, he only played a total of two minutes in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Tune in to Game 5 on Tuesday to see if the Memphis Grizzlies can steal one in San Antonio.