Post by lakers4sho on May 19, 2013 10:41:01 GMT -8
Discuss the series here.
lakers4sho's thoughts:
Grizzlies are coming off a comprehensive beatdown of the favorite Thunder, while the Spurs had to go through some adversity to get past the young and inexperienced Warriors. Both series featured contrasting matchup differences, and the Grizzlies were able to grind out the Thunder by deliberately slowing down the game and pounding the ball inside. The Spurs, on the other hand, had to adjust to the fast paced shootout that the Warriors excelled in.
That being said, both teams have proved that they are worthy of being in this stage. The big question once again is will experience come to aid the Spurs and hurt the Grizzlies? That clearly wasn't the case in the previous round vs OKC, but Memphis did play against a Grizzlies team without its 2nd best player. Also, the Spurs would be more than happy in a half-court setting where they can use their smarts to eke out a win, ugly if need be.
Talent wise, the Spurs have the advantage. Duncan has found the fountain of youth, Parker is all over the place, scoring in bunches and proving to be a top point guard in the league. Ginobili will always be a threat, especially during crunch time. Meanwhile, for the Grizzlies, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph will continue to dominate the paint with their out-in game, while Mike Conley is slowly making a name for himself.
The series will boil down to whichever team's support players will be the most productive and consistent. The stars will be locked in an intense stalemate, so it will be up to the other guys to provide the necessary breakthrough for their respective teams to win. Homecourt will be very important here as well. The Grizzlies have NOT lost at home in this year's playoffs, and have shown the ability to win on the other team's turf with full poise and confidence.
My prediction: Grizzlies in 6. Grizzlies frontcourt will be too much for the Spurs, while they will have personnel (Tony Allen, Tayshaun Prince) to contain the Spurs' backcourt of Parker and Ginobili
lakers4sho's thoughts:
Grizzlies are coming off a comprehensive beatdown of the favorite Thunder, while the Spurs had to go through some adversity to get past the young and inexperienced Warriors. Both series featured contrasting matchup differences, and the Grizzlies were able to grind out the Thunder by deliberately slowing down the game and pounding the ball inside. The Spurs, on the other hand, had to adjust to the fast paced shootout that the Warriors excelled in.
That being said, both teams have proved that they are worthy of being in this stage. The big question once again is will experience come to aid the Spurs and hurt the Grizzlies? That clearly wasn't the case in the previous round vs OKC, but Memphis did play against a Grizzlies team without its 2nd best player. Also, the Spurs would be more than happy in a half-court setting where they can use their smarts to eke out a win, ugly if need be.
Talent wise, the Spurs have the advantage. Duncan has found the fountain of youth, Parker is all over the place, scoring in bunches and proving to be a top point guard in the league. Ginobili will always be a threat, especially during crunch time. Meanwhile, for the Grizzlies, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph will continue to dominate the paint with their out-in game, while Mike Conley is slowly making a name for himself.
The series will boil down to whichever team's support players will be the most productive and consistent. The stars will be locked in an intense stalemate, so it will be up to the other guys to provide the necessary breakthrough for their respective teams to win. Homecourt will be very important here as well. The Grizzlies have NOT lost at home in this year's playoffs, and have shown the ability to win on the other team's turf with full poise and confidence.
My prediction: Grizzlies in 6. Grizzlies frontcourt will be too much for the Spurs, while they will have personnel (Tony Allen, Tayshaun Prince) to contain the Spurs' backcourt of Parker and Ginobili