Memphis Grizzlies Need Big Games from Supporting Cast to Tie the Series
After taking Game 3, the Memphis Grizzlies need a big boost from their role players in order to tie the series.
The Memphis Grizzlies had solid games from their role players in the Game 3 win.
James Ennis stepped into the starting lineup and excelled. He had 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting and had the main task of defending Kawhi Leonard (18 points on 6-for-11 shooting). JaMychal Green made his way to the bench but supplied the Grizzlies with much-needed energy and hustle. He had eight points, six rebounds and a few emphatic jams.
Surprisingly, the rookies delivered in a playoff game – something we haven’t seen in Memphis in a few years. Wayne Selden had 10 points, connecting on two big 3-pointers and a tomahawk slam that could be heard from Nashville. Andrew Harrison also had a steady game as the backup point guard. He scored eight points and dropped six times, but more importantly he only had one turnover.
As the role players performed exceptionally well in Game 3, what must they do to help the Memphis Grizzlies take Game 4?
Must Read: Memphis Grizz: April Twitter Mailbag, Time for Change?
Game 4 Outlook
The Memphis Grizzlies are getting contributions from their star players.
Marc Gasol is leading the way, averaging 21.7 points and 5.7 rebounds. In addition, he’s shooting a sizzling 71.4 percent (5-for-7) from downtown.
Mike Conley is continuing to prove to everyone why he should’ve been an All-Star. So far in this series, he’s averaging 20.3 points and 7.7 assists.
The Memphis Grizzlies have also gotten “Vintage ZBo” in the past two games as he’s scoring 15 points and hauling in seven rebounds per game this series.
For the Memphis Grizzlies to take Game 4, they obviously need these three to have big games, but they need solid contributions from their role players.
Aside from those three, the next highest scorer is James Ennis at a measly seven points per game. In Game 4, the Grizzlies need somebody to take some of the scoring load off their Big 3. Who could possibly do that?
James Ennis proved last game that he could find ways to score. He has to be smart in finding his shots, and he can’t fall into the wrath of Kawhi Leonard.
Now that JaMychal Green is off the bench, he can feign off David Lee and Pau Gasol’s lack of athleticism to find easy buckets.
Last game, Wayne Selden showed that he could score the basketball. If Pop chooses the “Sloth Brothers” of Manu Ginobili and Kyle Anderson over the quicker, more athletic Jonathan Simmons, Selden could find some opportunities to explode to the basket.
Next: Grizz Bounce Back at Home
Everyone knows that the Spurs are going to come out swinging. After getting blown out in Game 3, there’s no way that they’ll lay down now. The Memphis Grizzlies need a full team effort to take down this well-oiled machine.
Game Info
WHO: Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs
WHERE: FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN
WHEN: 7:00 PM – Central Time
HOW TO WATCH: ESPN, Fox Sports Southeast or any online stream
HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis
TWITTER: @BealeStBearsFS
BETTING ODDS: Spurs (-5); Over/Under (185.5)
SERIES: Spurs lead the series, 2-1.