Rapid Reaction: Memphis Grizzlies Win Game 5, Advance

Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) celebrates after scoring in the first quarter against the Portland Trailblazers in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies overcame multiple surges by the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 5 to capture a victory and advance to the second round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs.

The Memphis Grizzlies are on to the second round of the postseason! They held onto a two-point fourth quarter lead to earn a series victory (4-1) over the Portland Trail Blazers. The Grizz have earned themselves a ticket to an exciting series against the NBA’s top team–the Golden State Warriors–following a 99-93 Game 5 victory.

How did Memphis fare tonight and what did they show the home fans tonight?

Vince Carter came to play.

Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guards Courtney lee (5) and Vince Carter (15) celebrate after a play in the first half against as Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard (0) looks on in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

While he might not have been hitting jumpers (0-3 from deep), Vince Carter provided the energy that was needed for Memphis to end this first round series. He created extra possessions, made plays, and energizes the crowd with multiple thunderous dunks. He was showing flashbacks of his old self with some awesome athleticism. Memphis absolutely needs these type of performances from VC in order to upset the Golden State Warriors in the next round.

Courtney Lee sustains his playoff efficiency.

The Memphis Grizzlies’ Courtney Lee continued to shoot the basketball exceptionally well tonight. He has provided a great amount of offense and energy in this series versus Portland for his squad and tonight was no different. C-Lee went 8/12 from the field for 20 points on the night. He continues to get better by the game in the postseason, so it will be fun to watch him torch the Golden State Warriors’ defense in the second round, which begins this upcoming Sunday.

Jeff Green overcoming the struggle bus?

Memphis’ Jeff Green, whom was acquired to give the team some leverage at the small forward position and to add to the team’s depth, has shot below 25% from the field in the postseason and tonight was no different–shooting just 2/9 in Game 5. However, he went to the line seven times–making six of them. The two shots that he made were crucial buckets for the Grizzlies. Jeff showed up in the fourth quarter when it mattered most, and on this night, he receives a pass from criticism. He helped the Grizz gain the edge they needed in order to complete the series in Memphis’ favor. Will he show up, on a more efficient level, in the second round?

Zach Randolph displayed determination.

Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) drives against forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Randolph was huge for the Memphis Grizzlies. As Grizz Nation knows, Z-Bo is a bruiser. He does not bluff. Ever. He received a Flagrant I foul in Game 5 and was nearly ejected at one point, but his overall energy plus his effort on the boards was too much for the Portland Trail Blazers. The home crowd feeds off of Z-Bo’s emotions and tonight was no different. Randolph did not show amazing efficiency (7/19 from the field), but his eight rebounds and intangibles more than made up for his poor shooting. Z-Bo must play tremendously in the second round.

Beno Udrih is best used as a backup.

Beno Udrih has had trouble guarding Damian Lillard and it is clear that he is best used as a backup point guard; however, with Mike Conley out with an injury and no set timetable for a return, Udrih and Nick Calathes will have to do the job. In the second round, Stephen Curry does not rely on driving to the basket as much as Lillard, so Udrih may be more of a help on defense when the Memphis Grizzlies face the Golden State Warriors. At the same time, the Grizzlies are hoping Mike Conley can heal and be recovered quickly. Do not get us wrong, Memphis’ group of guards can hold their own because they get down with the grit and the grind.

The backcourt had defensive deficiencies.

With Udrih aside, the Grizzlies have had some gaffs on the defensive end when attempting to stop the Blazers’ guards. Lee and Calathes have allowed C.J. McCollum to find his rhythm in the past two games, which allowed Portland to win Game 4 and then give the Grizzlies a run for their money on their home floor in Game 5. McCollum nailed seven of 11 three-pointers tonight, leading to 33 points. Memphis is lucky that Portland ran into foul trouble and their train ran out of steam; otherwise, the Grizz would be heading back to Portland for a Game 6. With Golden State waiting for a Sunday matchup against M-Town, the Grizzlies MUST be better in locking up and shutting down scoring guards because the Warriors have the best of the best in that department. Tony Allen needs to be utilized better by Head Coach Dave Joerger for defensive purposes because he did not make the switch of Allen on McCollum during the three-point rampage.

The Grizzlies thrive through Big Spain.

Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies’ All-Star center, has been the backbone of the team’s offense. When he is playing well, Memphis typically wins. He is a do-all player. Tonight, if you would have missed the game but glanced at MG’s stat sheet, you would find some very impressive numbers: 26 points on 9/15 shooting, 14 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. He aided in stifling Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge in the entire series. Although Aldridge is the focal point of the Blazers’ offense, L-Train fouled out of Game 5 and managed to produce just 14 points on a dismal 5/18 shooting performance. You can credit Marc Gasol for a large part of this. He did not allow LA to shoot efficiently, which ultimately gave the Grizzlies a major edge in the first round. Big Spain could have a heyday against Golden State’s front line in Round 2.

Tony Allen: Mr. Intangible

Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) celebrates after a play against the Portland Trailblazers in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Portland 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The Grizzlies’ Grindfather, Tony Allen, brought the energy to match teammate Vince Carter. Although TA does a lot of things for the Grizzlies, especially on defense, that will not show up in the box score, Allen filled his stat sheet tonight. He went 3/6 from the field for eight points to go along with seven rebounds, four assists, five steals, and two block shots. Tony is the piece that meshes everything together for the Memphis Grizzlies and he will be a key determinant in the Grizzlies’ level of success for the remainder of the 2015 NBA Playoffs.

The box score, provided by ESPN, can be found here.

Stay tuned to Beale Street Bears for all the latest news and info as the Memphis Grizzlies prepare for Sunday’s Game 1 matchup of the second round versus the Golden State Warriors.

Go Grizz!

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