How the Memphis Grizzlies Could Steal Game 5 in San Antonio

Due to the heroics of their star players Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, the Memphis Grizzlies have tied the series. How could they steal Game 5 in San Antonio?

While many experts from ESPN saw this only going to four or five games, here we are with a Game 5 and a Game 6 looming this week. The Memphis Grizzlies rallied back to even the series, after getting trounced in the first two games.

Many say: “it’s never a series until the home team loses.” With that being said, could the Memphis Grizzlies rattle off three straight wins against the Spurs to push them to the brink of elimination?

Closer Look at the San Antonio Spurs

After taking a commanding 2-0 lead, the San Antonio Spurs had their playoff magic once again. Their dominance in those games were reminiscent to their days in the Finals a few years ago.

Then, a trip to the “Grindhouse” happened.

Kawhi Leonard has been out of this world, averaging 32.5 points this series. In addition, he’s coming off a game where he scored a career-high 43 points.

However, the rest of the supporting cast has been … meh. LaMarcus Aldridge is averaging 15 points and 5.8 assists – subpar numbers for a player of his caliber. Last game, vintage Tony Parker showed up, scoring 22 points and dropping five dimes.

Everyone else has been sorry. Patty Mills and Danny Green are chipping in under eight points a game. Pau Gasol is getting schooled by his little brother. And, Manu Ginobili hasn’t scored a single basket.

One shocking statistic for San Antonio is their low assist numbers. They’re averaging only 15.5 assists as a team, which is totally out of character for them. They’ve succumbed to hero-ball, and if they want to go back to elite basketball, they need to transform back into that lean, mean passing machine.

Must Read: Slowing Down Kawhi Leonard

Closer Look at the Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are showing signs of life after their two wins at home.

Mike Conley has played like a superstar. He’s averaging 24 points and 7.8 assists per game so far in this series. He also had the game of his career in Game 4, scoring 35 points, hauling in nine rebounds and dropping eight dimes.

Marc Gasol has played like an All-Star and has served as the perfect second fiddle for Conley. He’s averaging 20.3 points and 7.3 rebounds and shooting a red-hot 66.7 percent from downtown. Oh, he also did this:

Without starters Tony Allen and Chandler Parsons, the role players stepped up in their two wins. Zach Randolph is averaging 14.3 points and eight rebounds, delivering vintage moments and owning the Spurs’ bigs. After a lackluster start, JaMychal Green has come alive, notching 14 points and four rebounds in Game 4. James Ennis and Wayne Selden have stepped in admirably for the Grizzlies’ injured wings. While both aren’t lighting up the scoreboard, they’ve done a decent job defending Kawhi Leonard.

Then, Andrew Harrison. The rookie from Kentucky has done a great job these past two games when facilitating the offense. He also saved the season with his chase-down block:

Keys to the Game

No. 1: No Road Game Jitters

The young guys for the Memphis Grizzlies failed to deliver in the first two games. However, they played well in front of the home crowd. They need to forget about the atmosphere and focus on contributing to this team. Conley, Gasol and Randolph can’t shoulder the load by themselves.

No. 2: Don’t Let Their Role Players Get Hot

Kawhi Leonard is going to get his points. It’s a given now. However, the Grizzlies must make it a priority to contain everyone else. Honestly, they got lucky last game, because Tony Parker was that guy for the Spurs.

In this contest, they need to keep an eye out on the supporting cast. LaMarcus Aldridge is still an All-Star, despite his lackluster player. In addition, both Patty Mills and Danny Green can catch fire from downtown.

No. 3: Limit Turnovers

I’ll say this now: the Memphis Grizzlies got SO lucky in Game 4 – given their turnover numbers. How many teams can turn the ball over 20+ times and still  beat the Spurs? San Antonio makes a living off capitalizing on the other team’s mistakes.

Now that the series is back in San Antonio, the Grizzlies can’t afford another turnover-heavy night. If they do, the homecourt will get going, and there will be another large deficit.

ICYMI: Game 4 Recap

Game Info

WHO: Memphis Grizzlies @ San Antonio Spurs

WHEN: 8:00 PM – Central Time

WHERE: AT&T Center – San Antonio, TX

HOW TO WATCH: NBATV, Fox Sports Southeast or any online stream

HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis

TWITTER: @BealeStBearsFS

BETTING ODDS: Spurs (-10); Over/Under (186.5)

SERIES: Tied at 2-2.