Memphis Grizzlies Game 6 Recap: Series Finale

May 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol leaves the court after the game against the Golden State Warriors in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

A picture speaks a thousand words:

May 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Series Finale

Nobody wanted a win last night more than Marc Gasol. He did his best to keep the Grizzlies’ dream alive, single handily carrying the team on his back through the entire third quarter. Scoring 21 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, dishing 4 assists and blocking 5 shots in the process. The 15 point Golden State Warriors lead went down to 1. Then two plays later it was over just like that. A series ender at the end of a third quarter.

Before we look at Curry’s now famous three point dagger from full court, let’s look at the prior play and background. Mike Conley, who’s been playing with a mask after receiving surgery for facial fractures suffered in the Trail Blazers series, was pushed to the limit. Conley was already playing with ankle and wrist injuries and had returned early for the playoffs. His physical condition has been steadily worsening before our very eyes for the last few games, and inadvertent pulling of his mask from Draymond Green certainly has not helped. The man was playing with plates in his face. Green should have been sent out of the game for that play in Game 2, ‘going for the ball or not’. Some things extend beyond the court.

In Game 6, Conley appeared to be going at half speed, exhausted and deteriorating. Even after Coach Joerger discussed cutting his minutes in the second half, Conley decided to play all the way to the end. Giving all he had for the Memphis Grizzlies and their fans. See the season through, so to speak. There was a subtle moment, when Conley had an open look for the three, but decided to pass it back to Jeff Green. When you just knew something was off. Green went on to miss the shot, and the Warriors lead grew.

Then the play happened. Jeff Green was clearly fouled to end the third quarter but there was no call. Curry hits a three from practically full court. What you’d say in a usual case was the refs decided to let nothing come easy at the line and to just end the quarter with no call. But Curry hit the three. A ref would have not seen it coming. But it happened.

Yet, regardless of it being an amazing shot. It should not have counted, because Green was clearly fouled. Now you could say maybe the Grizzlies got favorable calls on their home court before, and it’s an understandable argument. However, this was a clear call. Green was obviously fouled. Instead of Green going to the line for three shots, Curry demoralized the Grizzlies for the final time. A series winner with a whole quarter remaining. They never recovered from this no call, while the Warriors got all the momentum in the world from it.

Season Renewal?

For the first time, the future of this version of the Grizzlies is unknown. If Marc Gasol chooses to go elsewhere, it’s effectively end of the road for this iteration of the Grizzlies squad. If Gasol resigns, the shooting deficit has to be finally be addressed. Vince Carter played well in this game with 16 points on 5-7 shooting. Courtney Lee had a solid game with 12 points. The Grizzlies still need more. Memphis needs a Kyle Korver. A trade is likely out of the question now with the Hawks’ excellent season. They could have gotten J.R. Smith from the Knicks this season to open the floor. Imagine O.J. Mayo still on the team.

The Grizzlies need a go-to scorer from the wing that’s consistently there or teams will continue to pack the middle daring their guards to shoot while doubling the post. Zach Randolph had 15 points and 6 rebounds yesterday. The Memphis Grizzlies have the most prominent post presence duo in the league with Gasol-Randolph, they just need that extra edge on the wing. Take a risk, make a splash in free agency/trade as long as the core remains. Tony Allen was restricted to 5:29 minutes yesterday, and you know first team all defense wanted to play. Most of all, beyond anything health is top priority.

Let’s take a moment to thank the Memphis Grizzlies for a hard fought and excellent season out in the West. For Mike Conley playing with injuries when there’s no question he needed time off and rest. Tony Allen wanting to give it a go regardless of the pain of a hamstring injury. The whole team giving it everything they have for this season.

The pain of this season’s end will not be forgotten, but it can make the Memphis Grizzlies stronger, better. Limitless.

Memphis Grizzlies: 2015 Playoff Record:

6-5

Memphis Grizzlies Season Record:

55-27

Check out more Memphis Grizzlies articles by me at this link. Follow me on Twitter: @nirregev

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