Tonight, the Grizzlies play the best team in the NBA–the San Antonio Spurs– in a situation which likely foreshadows a playoff match-up in early April.
The Grizz played in San Antonio the night before last, coming back from down 20 before falling prey to Manu Ginobli flops and missed opportunities.
Pretend that was Game 2 of a playoff series, and now the teams, after one day off, come to Memphis with the Grizz trying to win a pivotal Game 3–a game they were never able to win in ’04, ’05, and ’06.
What does Memphis need to do to win?
1) Come out with playoff intensity and a sense of urgency.
There can be no falling behind by 20 tonight. And if the Grizzlies come out like they did in their last home game against Sacramento, there will be. Memphis has to get out of the gates early.
2) Big game from Mike Conley.
Tony Parker is out 2-4 weeks, and that only helps the Grizzlies chances. It gives MCJ an opportunity to attack the basket against George Hill, a solid guard, but one without the foot speed of the veteran Parker. Look for the Grizzlies to try and establish Conley early, especially on pick and rolls with Marc Gasol (a Hollins favorite).
3) Randolph
The big man got off to a slow start the other night, and although he finished with another double-double, he seemed to still be off his game even in the closing minutes. The Grizzlies go as Z-bo goes, and they need him to go for 25 and 15 tonight.
4) Stop Bonner.
What is it with 6-10 white guys killing the Grizzlies from behind the arc? Brad Miller does it. Matt Bonner did it the other night. Yes, I know he’s the best 3-point shooter in the NBA, but find a way to stop him–or at least contest his looks. Please.
Closing thoughts: I have had recent conversations with longtime Grizz supporter Harrison Hunt, who is strongly opposed to Hollins putting Conley and J-Will on the court at the same time, especially in late-game situations. I completely agree. Conley is a guaranteed turnover in the final 2 minutes to begin with, and Williams does nothing to alleviate pressure or help Conley create.
Watch as Memphis continues to establish Battier. I noticed in the last game that Hollins loves to run MCJ off a pick from Gasol with Battier set up in the left corner (his favorite spot on the court). Gasol will roll down the left side of the lane, and Conley has 2 options: 1) Bounce pass to Marc going to the basket, or 2) Kick out to Battier for the open 3.
Also, Hollins seems to like using Battier’s height, allowing him to switch screens and play off the opponent. Despite his age, Battier has good closing speed, as evidenced by his 3 blocks the other night. At times, he plays almost a zone, moving across the elbows and forcing opponents in to bad shots, which he sometimes blocks.
We’ll see what happens tonight.
Marc’s Madness.
Grizz Real.
Gotta beat the best to be the best, aint no thang