Not too long ago the Memphis Grizzlies faced an 0-2 hole against the Los Angeles Clippers with Game 3 of that series shifting the court and momentum in Memphis’ favor. The Grizzlies went on to win that series in six games, a formula that hope to repeat in their 2013 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals Game match against the surging San Antonio Spurs.
History does not favor the Grizzlies as no team in NBA history has come back to win two series in the same playoffs after dropping the first two games. The Grizzlies will need to do that against the Spurs following a pounding they took against the more seasoned competitor. With the towels waving in Memphis, all the Grizzlies can do is believe they can come back – again.
Game 2 was a much than Game 1 with Zach Randolph able to pitch in 15 points. The Grizzlies will need that and more from their forward, along with strong outings from Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. The Spurs defense has frustrated all three Grizzlies stars through the first two games which has led to the early series lead.
The Spurs have gone as Tony Parker has with the veteran point guard pouring in 15 points and 18 assists in Game 2. The Grizzlies have been unable to solve Parker so as long as he’s able to dominate on the offensive end, the Spurs feel like they have a good shot at winning against a younger and supposedly more energetic team.
Benefiting the Spurs has been active defense that has not let the Grizzlies shooters have any space, as well as strong three point shooting. Made shots beyond the arc weren’t as impressive in Game 2 versus Game 1, but the threes remain a potent weapon for the Spurs to utilize. Even if the threes don’t fall, the inside combination of Tim Duncan, Tiago Splitter and Kawhi Leonard has been playing exceptionally well in this series thus far.
Tonight’s lone NBA 2013 Playoffs game featuring the Western Conference finalist San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies tips off at 9/8c exclusively on TNT in high definition (HD). Those who have a cable or satellite service subscription with TNT included automatically have the option of watching a free online live streaming version of Game 3 in Memphis here at ESPN3 via an iPad, cell phone, laptop or other Internet connected gadget. The Grizzlies have proven their home court is a difficult place to win for the opposition, but these Spurs are no ordinary team. I predict a 101-96 Spurs win and the Grizzlies pushed to the brink of elimination.
