Preview: Grizzlies vs Warriors
After a crushing loss Wednesday night to the Cleveland Cavaliers, your Memphis Grizzlies will return once again to their home court to face off against the number one team in the league, the Golden State Warriors.
As we continue on down the stretch our remaining schedule in the regular season is one of the toughest and most brutal in the league, and the Grizzlies cannot afford to suffer any more blowout losses like the one that occurred against the Cavaliers.
There are many things that can be said about tonight’s matchup, but I think the most important one to stress is that we absolutely need to win this game. If we are to have any chance at bringing home the O’Brien Trophy this summer, it is paramount that we get back to playing Grizzlies basketball, and back to making our opponents do the same. The team that took the court Wednesday night is not the Grit and Grind team that we’ve all come to know and love, and certainly not the team that can carry us to the NBA Finals.
I imagine the players have been stewing on that beat down from the Cavs and I hope they are mad as hell, mad as the rest of us about what transpired.
The win against the Knicks might have secured us a definite spot in the playoffs, but if we want to retain the number 2 seed we need to start playing like the hungry team we saw at the beginning of the season. With Houston a mere 1.5 games back from us for that aforementioned #2 seed, now more than ever the Grizzlies need every one to step up and start acting like we are playing for all the marbles, because at this point in the season, we are.
Now that I have stated the obvious, here’s a couple things that need to happen tonight in order for the Grizzlies to come away with the win.
Defend the 3 point line: The Warriors are the best three point shooting team in the league, and Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are among the top shooters. The Grizzlies defensive unit must keep this in mind and play accordingly, and without fouling. Which brings us to my next point…
Stay out of foul trouble: This is something I feel should be emphasized for many reasons, not the least of which being that Steph Curry leads the lead in free throw shooting, but also because too many fouls too early in the game on certain players can change the whole tempo and attitude of the team’s playing. In addition to that are the obvious limitations it brings for keeping the most effective lineup on the court at all times. Also, don’t argue with the ref and get ejected. I’m looking at you, Vince Carter.
There is no easy path to a win against a Warriors team that does nearly everything well, no real weaknesses to try and exploit. The only way this Grizzlies team is going to see victory tonight is if they play like this game is the most important game of the season.
Doesn't bluff, stays grinding.
Bluff City Born and Memphis Made
- Memphis Grizzlies Assistant Coach Niele Ivey Named New Head Coach for Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Team - April 22, 2020
- Notes From Grizzlies Media Day 2019 - October 2, 2019
- Memphis Grizzlies 2019 Training Camp Roster - September 30, 2019
