Zach Randolph: Game-winning performances against the San Antonio Spurs in the first round playoff series
After having a phenomenal season, one of the most prolific post scorers and rebounders of the league, Zach Randolph propelled the Memphis Grizzlies to their first
ever conference semifinals as they forced the mighty San Antonio Spurs to a first round exit. Spearheaded by Randolph, the Grizzlies became only the fourth eighth seeded team in the history of the league to knock out the No.1 seed in the post-season.
Randolph was absolutely magnificent against the Spurs and provided few options to the opposition to gain any sort of momentum throughout the series, which Grizzlies
won by 4-2. An overview of his game-winning performances is as follows.
Game – 1: 17th April
The Grizzlies showed every in NBA, that they are here to put up a fight as they surprise the spirited San Antonio in a thrilling 101-98 victory at the AT&T Center
in the first game of the best-of-seven first round series. Leading from the front, Randolph landed a brilliant double-double with 25 points and 14 rebounds.
Randolph was instrumental on the both offensive and defensive sides of the court. He scored 14of his 25 points in the second half of the game to keep the Grizzlies
in a competitive position. He then provided the fireworks early in the fourth quarter. Zach nailed 9 of 11 Memphis points within a three minutes stretch to set the tone. Tony Allen and Marc Gasol picked the slack from there on as the Grizzlies stunned the
NBA-best Spurs.
Game – 3: 23rd April
Fuelled by the determination to seal their first play-off home victory, Randolph posted another top scoring performance as he notched up a game-high 25 points, 5
rebounds and 3 assists to lead the Grizzlies for a breathtaking 91-88 victory at the FedEx Forum. The crowd at the arena was on their toes throughout the game and supported the team with their full pitch as they saw the Grizzlies make history.
Memphis owner Mike Heisley said on fans reaction 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."
With the series tied at 1-1, the game depicted some sheer aggression from both the sides. Randolph scored 14 points in the first quarter and the Grizzlies wrapped
up a comprehensive 10 points lead going into the halftime. The Spurs bounced back strongly in the second half and tied the game, one minute before the final buzzer. However when the heat was really on, Randolph kept his nerves and buried a scorching blow from
beyond the arc to seal a magnificent victory.
Game – 6: 29th April
Playing at the FedEx Forum, the San Antonio Spurs were looking to avoid a first round elimination after surviving in the overtime in game 5. However, Zach Randolph
came in their way and erupted with his best performance of the season.
Zach blistered away with a game-high 31 points and 11 rebounds to power the Grizzlies to an electrifying 99-91 victory. With the win the Grizzlies took the best-of-seven
game series 4-2. After spearheading his team in the first three quarter with his formidable play, the All-Star Zach smashed the Spurs with 17 points in the final 12 minutes to clinch a historic win.
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