Memphis Grizzlies Opposing Views: San Antonio Spurs

Once again, the Memphis Grizzlies ended their season against the San Antonio Spurs. Can anything change this year to flip their fortunes?

Death, taxes, facing the Spurs in the playoffs. The three certainties for the Memphis Grizzlies and their fanbase.

Since the 2011, the Grizzlies have faced the Spurs in the playoffs four times (2011, 2013, 2016 and 2017). Ever since their upset as the eighth seed in 2011, the Spurs have made it a priority to completely destroy Memphis — especially in the playoffs. In 14 playoff matchups, the Spurs have taken 12 games.

This year, things look different. The Memphis Grizzlies no longer have Tony Allen and Zach Randolph — two players that succeeded against the Spurs but were also exposed by them. In addition, the Spurs will probably see an extended time without Tony Parker after he tore his quadricep in the Western Conference Semi-finals last season.

One notable change: the Spurs got former Grizz Rudy Gay. After he tore his achilles, no one knows how he’ll be. Knowing the Spurs and Popavich’s voodoo magic, Rudy will become an All-Star.

In all seriousness, that’s a serious statement.

The Spurs do Spurs things.

With a new season approaching, can a revamped Memphis Grizzlies give the Spurs more trouble? Or will the Spurs keep doing Spurs things?

Starting 5

PG – Patty Mills

SG – Danny Green

SF – Kawhi Leonard

PF – LaMarcus Aldridge

C – Pau Gasol

Advantage for the Memphis Grizzlies

• Marc Gasol

For years, the Spurs’ big men dominated most frontcourts. The Tim Duncan and David Robinson duo ignited a dynasty. After Robinson’s retirement, you can stick Duncan alongside anyone, and you’d still have a chance at a ring every year. Then, they drafted Kawhi Leonard — a perfect two-way wing alongside Duncan. Eventually, they signed LaMarcus Aldridge to be Duncan’s successor.

After years of all-time great big man, the Spurs are weak defensively at the 4 and 5 positions. Because of this, Marc Gasol should absolutely exploit that weakness. Aldridge isn’t a good defender for his position and isn’t physical enough to contain Marc. Then, Pau is older and slower, and Marc should look to attack at his brother. Just like in the playground.

If the Grizzlies want a chance at beating the Spurs, they need All-Star level play from Marc Gasol.

• Mike Conley

The San Antonio Spurs were on the receiving end of “Superstar Mike Conley.”

“Superstar” is a word that shouldn’t be throw around loosely, but Conley played like one. He willed the team to victory in game 4 and put up superstar-level numbers (24.7 ppg and seven apg).

With Tony Parker reaching the end of his prime, the Spurs aren’t star-studded at point guard. Patty Mills is the best backup point guard in basketball, but it’s hard to see his production/impact as a starter. Dejounte Murray can be a star, but he isn’t there yet.

Conley needs to play like a star for the Grizz to give the Spurs a rough time.

Advantage for Spurs

• That FIREPOWER

The San Antonio Spurs have a plethora of scoring weapons — a lot more than the Grizzlies. Kawhi Leonard reached a new pinnacle of stardom by scoring at a go-to level (25.5 ppg in the regular season, 27.7 in the playoffs). Danny Green and Patty Mills can still light it up from distance. Manu Ginobli can put up vintage performances every so often. Even though I think he’s insanely overrated, LaMarcus Aldridge can still score 20-30 points a game. Oh, and they just added Rudy Gay who has also proven to be a consistent scorer.

Yeah, that’s a lot of scoring.

• Kawhi Leonard

The Memphis Grizzlies’ wings will have their hands full. They’ll already have a difficult time scoring against the two-time Defensive Player of the Year. More importantly, they’ll have difficulty stopping him. Without Tony Allen, they lack a premier stopper. Hopefully, Wayne Selden and James Ennis can rise to the occasion to fill the Grindfather’s void.

Kawhi is a problem in this league. Knowing Popavich, he probably installed the latest software update in the Kawhi Leonard Superstar Operating System.

Next: Memphis Grizzlies: A Symbol of Unity

Closing Remarks

No matter what, the Grizzlies and Spurs always put on a good contest. Even though the Spurs have had their number, Memphis has still witnessed magical moments against them. The 2011 upset. Shane Battier’s game-winning 3-pointer. Zach Randolph’s brilliance through the upset. The Western Conference Finals. Mike Conley’s rise to stardom. Then, Marc Gasol’s game-winning shot in Game 4 this past year.

Both teams are experiencing change, and it’ll be exciting to see how it plays out from here.

For now, let’s just look at this epic Kawhi vs. Conley battle from Game 4 last postseason: