Performance analysis of Memphis Grizzlies’ forward Zach Randolph during the Western Conference Semi-Finals (Part-1)
The Memphis Grizzlies have been a revelation this season and the man behind their resurgence is none other than their explosive power forward, Zach Randolph. After years of struggle, Randolph has finally emerged as one best rebounders and post scorers in the league. He first led his team all the way into the Western Conference play-offs and then carried them through 13 games, the highest ever by any eighth seed team in the Western Conference, with an average of 22.7 points per game.
Randolph was at the top of his game in the first round series against the west’s best San Antonio Spurs as he marshalled the Grizzlies to a 4-2 series rout. He then announced himself against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals and eclipsed his own first round 21.5 points average with 23.8 points. He even improved upon his rebounding average and took it from 9.2 to 12.7 rebounds per game.
Although his exploits against the Oklahoma City Thunder were countered by the likes of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Randolph inspired the Grizzlies to fight till the end and it was in the game-7 of the series that the Oakland franchise finally bowed out. Here is the game by game analysis of Zach Randolph performances in the Conference semi-final series against the OKC.
Game-1
In the very first game of the Western Conference semi-final against the Oklahoma City Thunder Zach Randolph hit the ground running and posted a play-off career high 34 points. Randolph also scored 10 rebounds and two assists.
He played brilliantly all the way through and helped the Grizzlies defeat the Thunder 114-101. His breath-taking performance also provided the Grizzlies a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference semi-finals and prompted OKC’s Kevin Durant in calling him the best power forward in the league.
Game-2
The game-2 of the series was also played at the Oklahoma City Arena. On this particular night Randolph was not as influential on the court as he was able to gather only 15 points, nine rebounds and three assists, a poor showing by his standards.
Randolph was extensively hounded by the OKC’s defence that night and the power forward found solace only on the foul line, from where he scored 11 points. Although the Grizzlies put up a maverick fight, they lost the steam once Durant got going down the stretch to carve out a 111-102 win and level the series at 1-1.
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