Grizzlies Clinch No. 5 Seed at Home in Final Game of the Season
Photo by Kelley D. Evans
The Memphis Grizzlies were the last team in the West to step up to bat for their Playoff seed in last night’s final regular season games. With Houston and San Antonio still to play there were 8 possible seeding outcomes for Houston, San Antonio, the Clippers and Memphis to fall into. Each win and loss had it’s own implications, with only the 1 and 4 seed set. With their playoff match-up at stake the Grizzlies took to their home court for the final game of the season and they did not disappoint.
The first quarter got off to a rough start. With 5:44 left the Pacers were shooting a blazing 70% from the field. CJ Miles already had 10 points and had landed 4 of his 6 shots. However, Indiana would finish the quarter at 52.6% as the Grizzlies would lock down defensively. In the last part of the quarter the Grizzlies would come up with 2 steals and hold the Pacers to 2/8 from the field for only 5 points. The Grizzlies finished the first quarter down by 2. The second quarter would be a complete turn around from the first. The Grizzlies took the lead from the Pacers with 7:02 left in the second on a Jordan Adams jump shot and would never look back. Memphis shot 54.4% in the second, outscoring the Pacers 32 to 17.
As the game turned to the better, Grizz fans held their breath (well at least I did) as the Spurs mounted their comeback against New Orleans. The Spurs would not find victory in NOLA, leaving the Grizzlies to truly control their own playoff destiny heading into the second half of the game. Coach Joerger shared post-game that the Grizzlies were well aware of the outcome of the earlier games, Houston’s win and the Spurs’ loss. The Grizzlies could either rest their starters for the second half to send the Spurs and Golden State to the same bracket or they could win and start at home against Portland.
As we all know, the Grizzlies played to win. The Forum exploded with energy during the second half, with fans rising to their feet on multiple occasions. The playoff atmosphere has already started to permeate into the Grindhouse. In the second half the Grizzlies would not allow the Pacers any closer than a 7 point differential. They would shoot 48.5% and hold the Pacers to 39.5%. Marc Gasol would see a career high 33 points to match his jersey number. Zach would later say that Marc “is the best big man in the game”. He also let us know how he feels about Marc’s play heading into the playoffs. According to Zach “it’s what [the Grizzlies] need. When he [is] going [the Grizzlies] always going”. Marc on the other hand had a more humble response. He stated that he “felt [the Grizzlies] won the game on the other end” and that his performance was due to his team “finding [him] shots when [he] was open and [he] made them.”
Marc and Zach were not the only players to shine. Nick stepped up off the bench scoring eight points and registering six assists. His impact was also evident defensively where he got his hands on four steals and six rebounds. Nick missed out on the playoffs last year due to suspension and is “excited about [his] first playoffs”. He commented on his role defensively stating that he “thinks Coach wants [him] to [get stops]”. This will come into play in the event that Mike Conley continues to miss games due to injury. Jordan Adams also had a solid performance, coming up with big shots and showing that his time in the D-League has paid off. Adams stated that Jeff Green told him to “play aggressive” and that’s exactly what he did. Why did he listen? “because he’s Jeff Green”. Apparently you do what Jeff Green says.
After last night’s game you have to feel good about heading into the playoffs. Memphis wrapped up the season in a big way and gave Grizzlies fans one heck of game to enjoy. The Grizzlies have started to find some cohesion and have some incredible depth. Nick even pointed to this during his post game interview saying “we have a deep team, a rotation [that] if someone goes down or something happens the next guy will step up.” The Grizzlies are poised for a deep playoff run if they can get a healthy Tony and Mike back. With the win last night, they head into the more favorable match up against Portland. This could give the injured guys some much needed rest. Here’s to a great season Grizznation and an even greater playoffs! Let’s keep on grindin’!!
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- Grizzlies Out Hustle Rockets and Head to Dallas - October 24, 2017
- The Grizzlies are Backed Into A Corner: Spurs Win Game 5 - April 26, 2017
- Memphis at San Antonio: Grizzlies Did Not Layeth the Smacketh Down - March 25, 2017
