Game 3 was more of a relief than anything else. Now that the Grizzlies have that first win in the series, it's time to climb back into a dead heat with Los Angeles.
In Game 3, guys like Paul, Crawford and Barnes didn't shoot exceptionally well. I expect them to try to force the issue early. They will want to run to a) demoralize the Grizzlies and b) dull the crowd's emotion. Paul especially will look to impose his will on both ends of the court.
The Grizzlies will come out like in the previous game, make it physical in the low post and at the mid-range area. There will be hand-checking, bumping L.A. players as they cut through the lane, and more boxing out to prevent Clippers' second chance points. Memphis needs a bit more offense from Conley, and they will get it.
It was interesting to see Coach Hollins shorten his rotation. Bayless, for example, only played 9 minutes. With Dooling on board as a back-up point guard, and Bayless' obvious disadvantage if he has to cover Crawford, Bayless' role seems to be changing on-the-fly. If he's not immediately blazing hot with deep jumpers, there may not be a big role for him the rest of this series.
Memphis will need a combination of Dooling, Pondexter and Arthur to have impactful minutes on both ends. Don't turn the ball over, look for opportunities to score before the Clippers' defense is set, and provide the energy that keeps momentum on Memphis' side.
My guess, Memphis 94, Los Angeles 86. As always, my guesswork isn't for gaming purposes. I'm glad you are aware of that.
After the Game: Memphis 104, Los Angeles 83. Surprise, surprise. Memphis gave up only two second-chance points to the Clippers. This is after 4 such points in Game 3, and 25 in Game 2. That'll do it.
For the Grizzlies, 39 field goals, 25/13 assist/turnover and 3 steals. All five starters and Pondexter scored in double figures. Gasol scored 24, and added 13 rebs and 4 assists. Randolph added another 24, with 9 rebs. Conley had 15 with 13 assists. Other than Pondexters' 10, the rest of the bench only scored 6 points. The Clippers' bench countered with 43.
For Los Angeles, it was 32 field goals, 17/8 assist/turnover and 8 steals. Griffin had 19 with 10 rebs. Paul scored another 19, and added 6 assists to only one turnover. However, three Clippers (Billups, Butler and Jordan) combined for only 2 points. You know that won't happen again, especially in L.A.
The Clippers led 47-46 at the half. Memphis doubled up L.A. 33-16 in the 4th quarter, turning a back and forth contest to a seeming blowout. The Clippers tried a bunch of threes to get back in the game, but finished 4-21 from 3-point range.
When Conley's assists equal or exceed his field goal attempts, Memphis is a good team. When Prince (7 1st quarter points, 15 for the game) gets off to a good start, it enhances his point forward play. With Conley, Prince and Gasol moving the ball via the pass, other guys get easy shots. The Grizzlies don't have to be a low-scoring team. This game was an interesting example.
Game 5 is gonna be interesting to consider. More to follow...
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