Grizzlies Must Get Zach to Attack
Added on May 21, 2013 by Scott in
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Two things have to happen for Memphis to upset San Antonio and advance to their first ever NBA Finals: 1) they must defend the three-point line better (allowed 14 treys in Game 1 loss), and 2) light a fire under Zach Randolph. To be fair, Randolph was swarmed from start to finish by multiple Spurs and was clearly the target of Gregg Popovich’s defensive scheme in Game 1. That said, Randolph (2 points on 1-8 shooting) missed easy shots and more importantly allowed the Spurs to get inside his head.
With the exception of two below average outings against the Clippers and one off night in a win over the Thunder, Randolph has been a beast in the playoffs, averaging 18.3 points and 9.1 rebounds. He was especially dominant in the Grizzlies last two victories against Oklahoma City, when he punished a beleaguered front line to the tune of 51 points and 26 boards. Obviously San Antonio took notice, as every time Randolph touched the ball in Game 1, he found himself surrounded.
It’s also worth mentioning that the last time the Spurs faced Randolph and the Grizz was in the 2011 postseason, when they were eliminated in six games as the #1 seed — due in large part to Randolph, who averaged 21.5 points and 9.2 rebounds. Popovich and Tim Duncan didn’t forget and both have no intention of allowing history to repeat itself.
Memphis head coach Lionel Hollins has a difficult task ahead. This current crop of Spurs is bigger and deeper than the 2010-2011 team. Tiago Splitter and Boris Diaw are logging key minutes. Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginobli and Danny Green are knocking down big shots every night. Tony Parker is, well, Tony Parker.
The Grizz have to force the issue by playing ferocious defense, slowing the tempo, and controlling the glass. There is no more physical frontcourt duo in the playoffs than Randolph and center Marc Gasol. It would help if the guards hit more shots from beyond the arc, but Memphis wins inside, not outside. They couldn’t morph into Golden State if they tried, nor should they. The Spurs can’t be defeated by finesse. And nobody knows this better than Zach Randolph.
