Every single Grizzly fan in attendance at the game will remember tonight. The raucous, growel-towel-waving, sell-out crowd. The excitement of an early lead on the Spurs. The despair as the Grizz seemed to be bleeding the lead. Every ball coming up just short, right, left, long. Hearts flat-lining as Z-Bo lofted a prayer from 25 feet. The scramble to high five anyone, everyone within reach. The frustration of freakin Manu getting every call he asked for finally being released in a moment of pure ecstasy as he bumbled around the court, wasting the final seconds.
It was a good night.
Truth be told, though, I did not think that we played all that well. And that fact is encouraging in this best-of-seven series. First, let me say that some players did play well, also, so I am going to highlight these players first.
Mike Conley was outstanding. Yes, I realize he did not shoot well tonight. But he managed to run our offense effectively, and limited Tony Parker to 5-14 shooting. He has gotten to the rim well all series. He needs to keep this up.
Shane. I am so glad you are back. He brought a new level of intensity to the defensive end of the court, but also helped carry the team offensively early on. That fade from the baseline was truly beautiful, and that corner three is really just his thing. We need him to keep the ferocity for the remainder of the series.
Darrell Arthur/OJ/Greivis. The bench played well. Greivis, just like Conley, was able to limit Parker’s effectiveness. Except that one time. I won’t get into that, though. That block on the fast break was a huge momentum keeper. If Darrell were able to hold onto a ball, then his play tonight would have been fantastic. Still a solid effort. And Juice, that 3-ball was enormous. That brought the momentum right back.
The Inside Men. Monsters. Absolute monsters. We have lived inside all year. Can’t stop now.
Like I said, there were some things that I wasn’t crazy about.
Sam Young and Tony Allen just didn’t play well. Neither made an impact whatsoever on the offensive end. Hopefully that will end Monday night. Knowing TA’s work ethic, it will. I guarantee he will take a couple hundred extra shots tomorrow to fix it. Also, Tony needs to stay out of foul trouble. It’s great that the team has found a way to win even when two starters struggle to find their rhythm.
Referees. Stop. Letting. Manu. Flop. It ruins the game. He shot 14 free throws, yet only committed two fouls. Go watch that game and tell me how that is fair. He’s the worst. Also, learn our language.
Our rebounding was not good tonight. Although our big men were scoring (let’s let Matt Bonner guard Marc every possession please), they were not rebounding well. We rebounded well first half; we were winning. We let the Spurs dominate the boards in the second and we almost gave the lead away. It looks like Mcdyess is going to be fine, with only a neck sprain, so we can’t let up on the boards.
In the end, though, Manu is a fool and the Grizz pulled it out. This team is not content now that it has won a home game; let’s get us a series!
Also, read this article. It’s inspiring. http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/fran_blinebury/04/24/spurs.grizzlies.game3/index.html
Happy Easter!
MEdwards
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