The Memphis Grizzlies are coming off a rough Game 1. Here are three hot takes that could make Game 2 go a lot better and keep the game a lot closer.
The Memphis Grizzlies got clobbered in the Game 1 against the Spurs. Aside from Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, there were zero contributions. This game showed how dangerous the Spurs are and how desperate the Grizzlies are for a third star alongside Conley and Gasol.
Hot Take No. 1: Grizzlies start out slow and fall behind, but end of the game comes down to last minutes
The Memphis Grizzlies started the first game red-hot, jumping out to an early double-digit lead. It didn’t last long as they ended the game with a 30-point deficit.
Game 2 is going to be the opposite.
Grizzlies will start out slow with the lack of confidence following the first game. Once some shots start falling, the team will get its mojo back. Over the course of the year, this team looks better when playing from behind anyways. They clawed their way back from 20+ down against the Golden State Warriors. They thrive under the snowball effect: once they get some momentum, its gets bigger and bigger until they’re almost and unbeatable team. The key to his, however, is a steady Mike which will be talked about later.
Hot Take No. 2: Wayne Selden is the third best player for the Grizzlies
Selden has been throw in the fire. Only a few weeks ago, he was playing in the D-League, but is now starting in playoff series. Part of that is because he’s the only one can match up with Kawhi Leonard on the defensive end of the floor.
Selden was a non-factor the first game, scoring a measly five points on eight shots while giving up 32 points to Kawhi. Despite this, he had the best +/- of anyone for the Grizzlies.
As a rookie, nerves probably did affect his play in Game 2. Game 2 should be different, and he should know what it’s like with the hype and crowd. He did get some shots in the first game, partially because he isn’t a known option in the offense. In game 2, he’s going to take advantage of this and score in the double digits and grab some boards while also limiting Kawhi to under 30 points.
Hot Take No. 3: Mike Conley scores 30
Conley was the scapegoat for Game 1. He did put up 13 points, seven assists and five rebounds, but many fans were expecting a better game offensively. On the other end, Tony Parker scored 18 points in only 22 minutes.
These two performances had some people to call for Conley’s head. Were they right? A little bit. Conley shouldn’t be playing that poorly in a big playoff game against an opposing point guard who’s actually washed up.
Next: Memphis Grizzlies Playoff Profiles: Mike Conley
Conley should rebound in this matchup and shut up any naysayers. I expect an aggressive Conley who looks to attack and set up his teammates while deciding to take over late in the game. Conley has some games where you wish he would play like that every game. He attacks when looking to score and seems quick off the dribble. This could be one of those games, and he could be the reason the game stays close this time.
Game Info
WHO: Memphis Grizzlies @ San Antonio Spurs
WHEN: 8:30 PM – Central Time
WHERE: AT&T Center – San Antonio, TX
HOW TO WATCH: TNT or Fox Sports Southeast (or any online stream)
HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN – MEMPHIS
BETTING ODDS: Spurs (-11); Over/Under (189).
SERIES: San Antonio Spurs lead 1-0.