Memphis Grizzlies set sights to topple the San Antonio Spurs again: NBA Play-off Preview
Following an electrifying 91-88 victory on Saturday night, the Memphis Grizzlies took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven first round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs. The Grizzlies are striving unwaveringly to cement their chances of becoming only the fourth eighth seeded team in NBA’s history to knock off the No.1 seed, when they face off the Spurs in the Game 4 at the FedEx Forum on Monday night.
After securing a win on the road in game 1, the Memphis wrapped up the first playoff victory in their own building after a span of ten seasons. The outstanding success fired up a big celebration in the stands.
Memphis’ owner Mike Heisley was amazed with the fans reaction and said after the game."The fans were incredible. The sound was just wild. I just think it pushed our guys over the top. When Z-Bo made that 3-pointer, everybody around me was having a heart attack. ... I think this was the best atmosphere at a Grizzly game that I've ever been at.”
The prolific forward Zach Randolph however was in a cautious mood and said that the Grizzlies need to stay focused after this momentous achievement and set sights on the upcoming showdowns.
"It's not just about winning a game or two. It's about winning the series and not let our heads get too big with this win and stay humble." Randolph said.
A series that was anticipated to be lop-sided, the Grizzlies have proven their brilliance against all the odds and have taken the game right to the Spurs, who were NBA’s best team in the regular season. The Grizzlies are showing incredible energy and strength in the post season and have taken the Spurs by surprise.
The last game between the two Western Conference foes depicted yet another close encounter as both the teams fought aggressively. Zach buried a scorching blow from beyond the arc to procure five points lead with 41.9 seconds remaining in the final buzzer. Although, the Spurs’ guard Manu Ginobili surged with a couple of free throws, however the night concluded in Grizzlies’ favour.
To add to the Spurs’ woes, the Grizzlies will be playing the next game on their back yard again. The massive support from the crowd will surely be a big advantage once again for Memphis on Monday night.
There problem just do not end there. In the last game, the Spurs went completely cold from downtown. Ranked among the top three 3-point shooting teams in the regular season, the Spurs landed only 2 shots from downtown in 15 attempts.
The pride of Texas will also be at stake in the series. Four years ago, Dallas Mavericks lost out after being seeded at the top in the playoffs and the way things are going at the moment, the Spurs seem to be on their way to infamy. Also, the team has never won a series with Tim Duncan when they started with the advantage of their home-court.
On Monday night, the Spurs will have to formulate a strategy to shield Zach Randolph effectively. In doing so, they have to ensure that they do not give open looks to the rest of the Grizzlies cast, if they want to make it 2-2.
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