Can Memphis Grizzlies outshine the spirited San Antonio Spurs once again?
The game-1 of the first round meeting between the West-leading San Antonio Spurs and the eighth seeded Memphis Grizzlies depicted a startling turnaround. The Spurs and the NBA world were left stunned that night as the Grizzles
turned the game around in the final minute of play.
Mounting a grizzly fight back, the Memphis team pinned a layup followed it with a 3-pointer and then capped the surge with a couple of free throws in the final minute of the game to snatch two point advantage. The stunned Spurs
messed up their last possession and the Grizzlies ultimately went on to seal a spectacular 101-98 victory.
Both the teams will face off for the second time on Wednesday night at AT&T Center in a seven-game series and after a surprise loss; it will be exciting to watch San Antonio’s reply.
With the game-1 win, the Grizzles also clinched the first ever playoffs win. The most infuriating aspect of the Memphis’s three previous trips into the postseason was the fact that they were winless in the 12 showdowns. Their last
victory against the Spurs not only snapped their playoff skid, but it also showcased their ability to create some ripples this year.
Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said, "It's nice from an annoyance perspective to have it out of the way, because I don't have to answer questions about being 0 and 13,"
The Grizzlies also received a timely boost before the game two when their most mercurial player, Zach Randolph, agreed to the terms and conditions in a four-year extension deal. The extension guarantees 66 million dollars and will
keep the superstar with the franchise till 2015.
On the other hand, the Spurs faced a major setback in their first playoff meeting, which was considered to be a comparatively easy contest for them. The game gave them a chance to take the proceedings into the overtime, but Richard
Jefferson missed an open 3-point attempt as the game concluded in Spurs loss.
Randolph and Marc Gasol were truly impressive in overpowering the invincible San Antonio.
"Zach played great. He made some great shots with Marc. They’re both big bodies and that's what they're game is based on, having those bigs inside. And them making shots, we have to pay attention to them more, obviously." Forward
Tim Duncan said after the game.
The Spurs were however playing without their ace forward Manu Ginobili, who was out due to a sprained right elbow. The Spurs are hopeful to have him back in the starting five in Wednesday’s face off. With their Argentinean sniper
back, the Spurs will be looking to bounce back strongly and tie the post-season series, whereas the confident Grizzlies will be determined to clinch another victory.
Randolph will be the key player for the Memphis. Conversely, Duncan and Parker needs to fire on all cylinders in order to outperform the resurgent Grizzlies.
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