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| Zach Randolph and Mike Conley did not know how to stop the Spurs in Game 1 (Image from: Darren Abate/AP) |
Many predicted that the WCF would be a tight and contested series. Game 1 proved to be the complete opposite as the Spurs came away with a rout. They were in control for the whole game and led by 18 points in t he third quarter. The Grizzlies managed to make a run as they cut the deficit to 6 points at 62-56 but the Spurs close the period strong with an 11-1 run to bump the lead back to 16 points. It never got close again after that. The Spurs won big despite Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan only combining for a measly 14 points. The rest of the team contributed solid outings especially Matt Bonner who had 12 points on 4-6 from distance. Bonner barely played versus the Warriors so his playing time and added points were a big boost to the Spurs. Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard comibined for 34 points while Tony Parker was his usual self with 20 and 9. San Antonio was able to methodically attack the Grizzlies' defense with penetrations which opened up their shooters. The Spurs finished with 14 threes which is a franchise record in the playoffs.
#ZRo #NoGrit
During their 2011 series, Zach Randolph was a beast and he dominated the Spurs. So far in Game 1, Z-Bo was invisible on the score sheet until he made a tip-in when the game was already decided. Randolph finished with 2 points on 1-8 shooting and had 7 rebounds. He was ineffective and somewhat passive with his post moves when he got the ball. This loss is not solely on Randolph's shoulders. Others need to step up, mainly Tayshaun Prince and Tony Allen. The Spurs purposely left them open and ignored their shooting/scoring abilities. It's up to Allen and Prince to look for their shots more when wide open. They need to be decisive and they need to make shots to keep the Spurs honest defensively. The Grizzlies were a step slow in their rotations and they allowed the Spurs to pick them apart with a barrage of threes. That cannot happen again in Game 2 if the Grizzlies want to win a game.
#Game2 #Preview
The Spurs started last year's WCF up 2-0 vs the OKC Thunder but they ended up losing 4 straight. Expect the Spurs to be more focused and less complacent for this series in order to avoid the same fate. The Grizzlies know that they need a split before heading to the Grind House so this game should be a lot closer. Zach Randolph has vowed that he will be more aggressive on the post and on the boards. Memphis needs to attack the hoop more and generate more points in the paint since they only outscored the Spurs by 2 in that category. Memphis will correct their defensive rotations to limit the likes of Matt Bonner and Gary Neal from hurting them. Meanwhile, the Spurs know that they need Duncan and Ginobili to start hitting their shots soon because they cant expect their role players to constantly make their shots. If the Spurs get a decent game from Manu and Timmy plus solid outings from their bench, this series will be a short one.
#Stats #News
- Spurs had 28 assists while Grizzlies had 20
- Ginobili continues to be in a shooting slump: 2-6 FGs
- The 14 threes of the Spurs all came from assists
- Zach Randolph was -28 (game-worst)
- Pondexter had 17 points, playoffs career-high
Tony Parker (Spurs) - 20 points, 9 assists, 2 steals
#Highlights of the Night
Bonner from Downtown
#Tweet of the Night
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