Rapid Reaction: Memphis Grizzlies Dismantle Trail Blazers

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

The Memphis Grizzlies launched out of the gate today. Prepared, poised, and confident. Portland? Never looked like they had a real chance in this game. Frustrations boiled early when LaMarcus Aldrige picked up a technical after trouble in the post. The easy win for the Grizzlies continues their dominate streak over the Trail Blazers. They went 4-0 against them in the regular season. That’s right folks, they shut them out. Things are not looking good for Randolph’s former team.

– Beno Udrih was on fire tonight, going 7-7 in the first quarter and finishing with 20 points and 7 assists. Beno mentioned after the game that he was just being aggressive and thanked the Grizzlies front line for their strong screening.

Apr 19, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Beno Udrih (19) goes to the basket against Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum (88) and 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

– Zach Randolph was active on defense, and dominate in the post. The wrath of Randolph was felt on the scoreboard. Posting 16 points and grabbing 11 boards. At one point, pounding his chest to cheers from the crowd. Randolph took this game personally against his old team. Make no mistake, Randolph is in full playoff form.

– Marc Gasol played the most minutes tonight, effectively leading the bench at points with Randolph and Conley off the floor. Gasol delivered like always. Spain’s own scored 15 points on 7-16, 11 boards and dished 7 assists. Just look at that photo above. It sees it all gentlemen. This man went in the FedEx Forum tonight to win. Losing was not even a possibility. Despite taking shots to the face in the post during play, Gasol stayed on. Poking and prodding Gasol did not work in the Trail Blazers favor.

– Mike Conley returned, and you could feel the tone set early. The team felt at a calm to have their leading point guard back on the floor. Conley had some nice shots tonight and finished with 16 points on 6-11 in 23:48 minutes of play. Though being only two weeks into recovery from an injury that requires 4-6 weeks, Conley is giving that classic reliable A+ play.

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

– The Portland Trail Blazers looked like a team searching for answers on offense tonight. The lack of scoring guards to open up the floor has left Lillard and Aldridge to shoulder the entire heft of scoring. Lillard appeared to a tough night against the Grizzlies front line, driving to the basket a mountain of a hurdlee. He went 5-21 for 14 points, Lillard will definitely have better nights than this. The Grizzlies cannot let up. Aldridge finished with 32 points on 13-34 shooting. The game was well out of reach from the second quarter on.

– It was a block party at the FedEx Forum! 9 Blocks from the Grizzlies including 3 each from Kosta Koufos and Marc Gasol.

– Marc Gasol had words for Nick Calathes during the last minutes of the game. He was unhappy with Calathes showboating.

The streak continues ladies and gentlemen, and your Memphis Grizzlies are now 1-0 in the playoffs.

Current Playoff Record

1-0

Memphis Grizzlies Regular Season Record

55-27

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