Ok, it's finally here. On Wednesday night, the Grizz start an encore to the most successful season in franchise history. So, of course they meet the team that ended their previous season. San Antonio is the solid, smart team we've known over the years.
One key addition for the Spurs is Marco Belinelli. The shooting guard from Spain adds firepower to the second unit. Otherwise, this is a familiar bunch. Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, Leonard, Splitter, Bonner and Green are all still on the team. So, this team is one of the rare ones that should get off to a good start regarding execution on each end of the court.
For Memphis, Prince wasn't completely healthy during the pre-season. So, we should see lots of Pondexter in this game. But, if he's chasing Leonard or Bonner at small forward, Pondexter will be at a height disadvantage. Intensity and hustle will allow him to make up for some of the shortfall.
Miller at backup shooting guard may end up facing Belinelli at times as well. He's big enough to do it, but will he have the requisite quickness? Or, does coach Joerger play Miller some at small forward and play Pondexter at off-guard?
Otherwise, matchups should look like the usual. I suspect Gasol gets Duncan. Randolph checks Splitter. Conley gets Parker. These matchups include some of the best players at their respective positions in the whole Association. For an NBA fan, watching off-the-ball action will be as much fun as watching baskets.
Funny thing about this matchup (to me, at least). It's a classic one-way rivalry. To Memphis, San Antonio has stood in the way of the Grizzlies getting to that proverbial "next level". The Spurs have what Memphis continually strives to accomplish. On the other hand, I don't think San Antonio sees Memphis as a large rival, not when Dallas and Houston are in the same division, and another division mate (New Orleans) isn't that far away geographically. What does the Memphis team have that San Antonio wants to take away?
Wednesday night, I expect Memphis to get off to an emotional high at the beginning, jumping out to a double-digit lead in the second quarter. And, then I expect San Antonio to methodically whittle away at the lead, finally tying the score midway through the 4th quarter. Parker will either hit shots late or make sweet passes to teammates for layups to provide the final margin.
I guess San Antonio 96, Memphis 91. It will be a hard-fought game between two good teams. Hoop heads will enjoy it.
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