San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies meet again for the first time in eight months - NBA preview
San Antonio Spurs just looked unstoppable last year.
After racing to the league’s best starting record of 25-4, they went on to reclaim the Western Conference’s top seed with 61 wins.
However, a nightmare was waiting for them ahead.
In the first round of playoffs, they were given the shock of their lives by 8th seeded Memphis Grizzlies. In what was one of the biggest upsets in the history of NBA, Grizzlies knocked out Spurs from the tournament,
beating them 4-2.
The loss and the shock was so big, it gave Spurs players sleepless nights for first few months. According to Spurs super star Tim Duncan, this loss was the biggest disappointment of his 14 years outstanding career.
It has been eight months now - a long time to burn, since the shocking exit and the memories would still be crisp in the minds of Spurs. However, Spurs have a chance to avenge their loss on Monday night as both teams are due to
meet again in the season openers.
With all the main players Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili in the twilight of their careers, this season might be the last chance for Spurs to have a shot at the title.
However at the moment, all the focus would be on the rematch of last year’s scrimmage against Grizzlies. With Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley on the glass and Rudy g*y back in action, the Grizzlies look a major threat
won’t allow Spurs easy vengeance.
They almost made it into the conference finals last year, but they were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the seventh game of the series. They would love to start with a win and that too over a team, they stunned last year.
Randolph, who averaged 21.6 points in the series against the Spurs, would be the main player for Grizzlies again, whereas Spurs would be relying on Tim Duncan, who is probably playing his last NBA season. Spurs also acquired the
2010 draft first round pick, Kwahi Leonard.
Spurs hold the edge because of their overall record; however both teams have equal chances of winning tomorrow. No matter who wins, it will be an exciting battle for sure.
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