Memphis Grizzlies: No Player To Blame in This Series
Whenever teams lose, it’s easy to blame a certain player. However, for the Memphis Grizzlies, should there really be anyone to blame?
Well, the season is over for the Memphis Grizzlies. It’s been a rollercoaster season as fans try picked out scapegoats in every crisis. First, it was Andrew Harrison. Then, it became Chandler Parsons. And, as the Grizz hit their five-game losing streak, people called for the head of David Fizdale.
As the playoffs rolled through, who was there to blame? Andrew Harrison played great, given his lack of playoff experience. Chandler Parsons’ season was cut short due to another knee injury. Then, Fizz became a local hero with his legendary “Take that for Data!” rant.
Does that leave nobody to blame?
Don’t tell Grizz Nation any differently:
Here's the deal: I believe when I feel like our guys, or at the very least, OUR CORE FREAKING FOUR BELIEVES. MARC RUINED THIS.
— NBKay (@KateeForbis) April 26, 2017
@BealeStBearsFS all the talk the past year of Mac as the greatest grizzly -- Stop It! Too soft at the worst times.
— KoolJazz49 (@milesjazz49) April 26, 2017
James Ennis has made every mistake possible down the stretch
— Hoops Reference (@HoopsReference) April 28, 2017
The Complete Truth Pt. 1: “Let’s Blame That Guy…”
To be completely honest, blaming any player for this series loss is a travesty. As they didn’t have their two starting wings, the Memphis Grizzlies were left with James Ennis, Troy Daniels, Wayne Selden and Vince Carter. That’s not exactly ideal.
James Ennis filled in admirably this postseason, averaging 7.8 points and 4.4 rebounds in 26 minutes per game. Troy Daniels and Wayne Selden chimed in when needed and didn’t make any
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glaring mistakes in this series. Then, Vince Carter looked like he was 40 going on 27 with his performance in this series, scoring 8.6 points on 42.9 percent shooting from downtown in these five games.
There was no one else really left to blame. Mike Conley played out of his mind. Marc Gasol was on par with his season averages but faced difficult match-ups against LaMarcus Aldridge and his brother, Pau – both using their length to bother him in the post. Zach Randolph pulled out many vintage moments to masquerade his defensive deficiencies. Then, JaMychal Green put together a solid series in preparation for his summer payday.
The Complete Truth Pt. 2: “Soooo Who Are We Blaming Then?”
There’s no one on the Grizzlies’ side to blame right now. It’s just one of those things where the Spurs proved why they were the second-best regular season team.
Coach Popovich flipped Kawhi’s switch to “Maximum Overdrive” as he went complete MVP mode. Tony Parker had a vintage series, averaging 14.2 points – up from his season average of 10.1. LaMarcus Aldridge still contributed a decent amount, despite his underwhelming performance.
More importantly, they have the best set of role players in the NBA. Pau Gasol and David Lee did a great job helping Aldridge battle Randolph and Marc. Manu Ginobili, Danny Green and Patty Mills all had their one game of going off to help give San Antonio the edge.
In saying all this, do you really want to blame anyone on this 43-win team for losing to a 61-win team with the greatest coach of all time, a MVP candidate and five former All-Stars?
If you’re down to blame anyone, blame anyone on the court that was wearing some sort of combination of gray, black and white.