As the Grizzlies take on the Spurs, let’s flashback to 2011 when Memphis changed the course of franchise history by winning their first playoff game.
Battling the Spurs always takes us to our fondest memories and our most grueling tragedies. In this edition of “#ThrowbackThursday,” let’s take it to one of the greatest moments in franchise history: their first playoff win.
The Build-up
After a 61-21 campaign, the Spurs came in at the top of the Western Conference. San Antonio was a legitimate contender with their explosive offense (second in offensive rating) and stifling defense (eleventh rank defensive rating).
As the eighth seed, very little was expected of Memphis. After making the playoffs for the first time in five years, this team leaned on a top-10 defense to sneak into the playoffs. Very few people gave the Grizzlies a chance. Most experts projected 5-game victory for the Spurs, even though they split the season series.
What happened?
Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph carried the team most of the game. Marc finished with 24 points on 9-for-10 shooting. Randolph led both teams in points (25) and rebounds (14). Mike Conley chipped in 15 points and 10 assists.
Memphis’ frontcourt gave future HOFer Tim Duncan all he could handle, along with the other Spurs bigs. Duncan went scoreless in the 4th quarter when his team needed him the most. Instead, Matt Bonner led the charge for San Antonio in the 4th, drilling clutch 3 after clutch 3.
The Grizz nearly gave the game away with 12 missed free throws, but Shane Battier came to save the day. The first draft pick for the Memphis Grizzlies hit the game-clinching 3-pointer to give them the 101-98 victory, stealing their first postseason win in franchise history.
Aftermath
The Grizzlies put the rest of the league on notice with this win. Memphis went on to win the series 4-2. This series made people question if the Spurs had gotten too old. This definitely wasn’t the case as they went on to make the Finals in 2013 and win in 2014, with the same core.
Next: Comparing Season to Preseason Expectations
Memphis began to build their reputation as a powerhouse in this league. This game sparked the greatest stretch in franchise history, otherwise known as the “Grit ‘n’ Grind Era.”