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Grizzlies v. Portland: Game 2

Grizzlies v. Portland: Game 2

The Blazers sleep with the fishes, Grindfather style. Last night the Grizzlies handed the Blazers their second playoff loss, marking the sixth time they have fallen to Big Spain this year. Much was made between games one and two over the proclamation that hung in the Blazers locker room decreeing that the Blazers do not lose to Spanish players. While not an outright dig at Gasol, the intent was meant to remind Batum of the French national team over the Spanish National team. Of which, of course, Marc Gasol is plays. When asked of the controversy Big Spain refused to indulge in fanning the Blazer flame simply stating “You’re not going to get the response your looking for.” Big Spain has the class that Portland lacks.

Heading into game two there was speculation as to whether the Grizzlies would continue with the forward momentum that propelled the win in game 1. While the opening line-up originally contained Jeff Green, a game time decision inserted Tony Allen. Again for game two Arron Affalo would be seated, with Chris Kaman joining him not just for moral support, but due to a leafy ankle injury sustained in practice.

The first quarter opened with a beautiful lay in by Mike Conley, and immediately fell flat. The Blazers offensive glass started similar to that of game 1, but under grit and grind defense could not be sustained. The Grizz maintained ownership off the glass following the first quarter.

Memphis had a 21-6 advantage in second chance points at the half, finishing with 29-12 second chance points. In a season where turn-over ratio has fluctuated, and at times been an issue, Memphis turned the ball over only 5 times in game two. The Blazers struggled to maintain possession turning over the ball 13 times. Arron Affalo tangoed with Tony Allen, whose perimeter defense disrupted his dribble, forcing him to either kick the ball out, or make contested shots.

While Zach and Marc struggled offensively throughout the game, our bench runs so deep it’ll put a Blazer to sleep. Courtney Lee stepped up again, continuing to find his rhythm. When Courtney hits 2 or more from the perimeter, the Grizzlies win. Last night saw Courtney hit 2-3 from the arc, 8-11 from within it to finish with 18. Defensively Courtney picked the ball off 3 times, and helped Tony Allen lock down the perimeter.

Marc Gasol went 4-15 from the field, but 7-7 from the charity stripe, finishing with 15. Gasol was aggressive at the boards grabbing 6 defensive rebounds, and 1 offensive board. He added in 5 assists and a steal. Zach Randolph went 5-16 for 10 points. Strangely Z-Bo did not see time on the charity stripe once in almost 33 minutes played. Randolph joined Gasol in shutting down traffic at the cup, grabbing 3 offensive boards and 7 on the defensive end. He threw for 2 assists, and added a steal. According to LaMarcus Aldridge, Zach Randolph has a big butt and he cannot lie, those other brothers can deny… And he uses his assets to remove opposing players from their positions.

I don’t think folks understand the intelligence that Mike Conley has. Continuing to under rate Captain Clutch serves Memphis well. Conley has the ability to dish ambidextrously, use his speed strategically to dart through tight spaces, and run creative plays. He can probably leap tall buildings in a single bound as well. You would never know he feels like there’s a golf ball in his shoe. Speaking of golf balls, Conley can also juggle a golf ball on his club as well as Tiger Woods. Conley put up 18 points, 6 assists, a steal, and a defensive rebound.

How sweet it is to see Tony Allen back in uniform somewhere other than the airport! The new airport spokesman returned to active duty in Game 1. Game 2 saw the Grindfather being bench mobbed and shoved lovingly back to to court after a heroic out of bounds save, and riding the stationary bike somewhere over the rainbow on the sidelines. Tony went 2-4, missing an open lay up, but only turning the ball over once. Allen was disruptive to the play of both Damian Lillard and LeMarcus Aldridge all night.

Vince Carter. Vinsanity. Half man half amazing. The elder statesmen of the Grizz had a good night. Carter was 3-6 from inside the perimeter, and 3-5 from the arc. Those are numbers that will aide the Grizzlies in conjunction with a confident consistent Courtney Lee. Those are numbers we have been waiting for, coming in right on time. Carter’s hustle also bagged him a steal, no turn-overs, and 4 rebounds. For Carter’s production to remain positive his minutes need to come in short spurts.

Jeff Green returned to the second unit for game 2. He put in a solid performance with 9 points, 5 boards, 3 assists and a steal. Kosta Koufas, who heads into free agency along with Nick Calathes and Marc Gasol at the close of the play-offs had a slow night, letting Gasol and Randolph handle most of the work in the paint. Beno Udrih, who had a stellar performance in game 1, also had solid play in game 2. Udrih went 4-9 from the field, and 2-2 from the line. Beno was also seen leaving the Forum in boot a fixed to the right foot to the knee.

Dave Joerger continued his tradition of inserting a player with .48 remaining. Generally the tradition involves the insertion of a rookie, however last night it was bestowed upon Nick Calathes. I don’t have much criticism of Dave Joerger’s decisions, but I find that particular one disrespectful to any player that gets the nod. Certainly a player that has contributed greatly to the organization doesn’t deserve to see .48. Neither does rookie Jordan Adams.

Last night Lillard, McCollum,Crabbe and Steve Blacke played a combined 101 minutes, and between them out up a total of 2 assists, and 27 points, and 1 steal. The foursome shot 29% from the field, and 20%from the arc. In contrast, Conley, Lee, Udrih and Vince Carter put up 55 points in 95 minutes, shooting 50% from the field, 58% from the 3, with 8 assists and 5 steals. If the playing field remains this uneven, the Grizz will sweep the Blazers on their turf.

The Grizzlies set two franchise records last night. The first being a record 29 second chance points. The second being leading a playoff series 2-0. Play returns on Saturday at 9:30 in Portland. We are All Heart in Hoop City.

Jennifer Conroy
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