In Games 3 and 4 of this series (in Memphis), the Clippers scored 82 and 83 points, respectively. Why not more of the same?
Blake Griffin's high ankle sprain on Monday may be healed. But, in an "apples and oranges" comparison, football players who suffer a similar injury need weeks to recover. Griffin can recover in days? Maybe - modern medical technology can accomplish amazing things. But, what if he isn't 100% for Game 6?
Again, I'm fighting the fanboy desire to gush about my team. On paper, when both teams are at full strength, I really thought the Clippers were more dynamic on the front line. I expected Jordan and Griffin to own their respective match-ups. So far, I've been wrong. I'm cool with that.
My guess - Memphis 98, Los Angeles 88. Yeah, I know injuries diminish a team's chances. Playoff teams like Chicago (Rose), Denver (Gallinari) and the Lakers (Bryant) have seen their chances adversely impacted because of injury. However, where was the pity years ago when the Grizzlies were that 8-seed without an injured Rudy Gay? It's callous, but injuries do happen in sports, and the guys who remain active have an opportunity to step up & contribute.
Friday night, I expect a raucous Memphis crowd to push the Grizzlies' defensive effort. Tony Allen and Mike Conley are the key tonight. Their two-way play will set the tone, getting steals that translate into easy run-outs. If Allen and Tayshaun Prince score, say, 7 or so points each in the first quarter, Memphis is going to be in a great place for the rest of the game.
Downside could be one of those nights where Memphis inexplicably starts a home game jacking up lots of jump shots that don't fall. Say for example, if Bayless gets in the game early and decides he's the star/first option on offense. If he is 2/10 FG/A in the first half, the team will be in trouble.
For the Clippers, Paul will get his points. Crawford will get his as well. Who else is gonna score for Los Angeles?
Yeah, I think the Grizzlies win on Friday night, and take the series 4 games to 2. Yeah, it stinks that Griffin is not at full strength. But as an opponent, do you hold back your own team because an opponent isn't available?
After the Game: Memphis 118, Los Angeles 105. Memphis wins the series, and the right to take on Oklahoma City in the next round. The Thunder are the number one seed in the Western Conference. They finished ahead of Memphis in the regular season, and should be favored in this series. How about seven games for ya?
For the Grizzlies, it was 36 field goals, 27/10 assist/turnover and 7 steals. Memphis also shot 47 free throws for the game. Home cooking appeared to be evident, and that's alright. Seven Memphis players scored in double figures. Conley and Randolph had 23 each, Allen had a surprising 19 (16 in the first half), and Bayless came off the bench to add 18. I know I give Bayless a hard time in print. When he's hot like Saturday night, he lifted the team and the crowd. Just do it ever game, man.
For the Clippers, it was 41 field goals, 19/13 assist/turnover and 3 steals. Barnes came off the bench to score 30, including 6/6 3PT FG/A in the first half. Whenever Memphis tried to get some distance between the two teams, Barnes would sink a three or a slashing drive to the basket.
Paul added 28 and Butler scored 14. No other Clippers' player scored in double figures. Griffin was limited by that ankle injury (9 points in 14 minutes off the bench), and Crawford didn't score in 12 minutes of play. He saw scant time in the second half, a puzzling development to be sure.
Three guys (Paul, Randolph, Barnes) were ejected. There were lots of fouls and chippy play, especially in the fourth quarter. To their credit, though, the Clippers gave their all. They are a tough, determined team. The Grizzlies were a little bit better that night, and in the last four games of this great series.
I really hope both teams keep the majority of their rosters intact going forward. Between last year's seven-game series and this one, it looks like the start of a fun rivalry. I look forward also to the team's first meeting next season. It should be contentious.
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