(I type this 2 hours or so before tip off. Been goofin' off today, the sun is out.)
First off, my guess: Memphis 93, San Antonio 92.
Memphis hasn't scored over 89 in its's last three playoff games. That needs to end Saturday night.
For it to end, Tony Allen needs to score around 13 or so. Tayshaun Prince needs to score around 14. Jerryd Bayless needs to pass more than he shoots, and his passes need to be precise & effective. Either Quincy Pondexter or Darrel Arthur needs to hit 3s or mid-range high-post jumpers.
I wonder, though: will San Antonio allow this to happen? Can Memphis "impose its' will" and ensure these things happen?
Put it this way: if the Grizz don't, this series is all but over after Saturday night.
For San Antonio, Tony Parker is the engine that runs the Spurs' offense. But, like my SUV's engine before its tuneup last week, that offense can sputter on occasion. Parker's energy and penetration skills get easy buckets for others. Conley needs to keep harassing Parker, make it more strenuous to get easy shots for Spurs players.
Conversely, in the post the Spurs are doing something to Randolph that takes away all his favorite jab steps and deep post-ups. Z-Bo needs to come out roaring tonight, get off to a good start, and let it roll.
Speaking of roaring, the Memphis fans need to be a presence. They've seen some hard-fought games between these two teams in FedEx Forum the last couple of years. This Game 3 may be another. The fans' impact could mean a point or two, which could be the difference in the final score. At least, to me it could be the difference.
After the Game: San Antonio 104, Memphis 93 in overtime. The Spurs won the extra period 18-7. They are an efficient team. That is to be celebrated.
Memphis led by 18 in the first quarter (29-11). Then, they lost focus. They had 38 field goals, 18/10 assist/turnover and 10 steals. Conley had 20, but had a 4/5 assist/turnover and went 8/21 FG/A. Gasol had 16 and 14 rebs. Pondexter came off the bench to add 14. Just a sad, perplexing loss. Now that they are down 3 games to none, it's pretty much over.
For San Antonio, it was 41 field goals, 20/17 assist/turnover and 6 steals. The Spurs had 8 turnovers in the first quarter, 9 for the next three quarters and overtime. Parker had 26, but a 5/7 assist/turnover. Duncan added 24 and 10 rebs. Ginobili looked youthful, with 19, 7 rebs and 5 assists. The Spurs don't panic when things go bad. They just keep working, and their approach was perfect to dig out of the early deficit hole.
Game 4 is Monday night. Memphis still needs to win. Nobody wants to be swept. San Antonio is gonna win the series, I can now admit. Memphis needs something to salvage out of this experience. Literally, I can't wait for Monday's game. I want to see how my team responds.
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