What’s surprising about Game 1 loss is not the loss itself, it’s the way it happened. The 111-82 thumping was underwhelming on the Grizzlies’ part, who were seen as one of the postseason’s competitive lower seeds.
Another key takeaway is how they crashed back to earth following a hot start, as they only compiled 52 points in the final three quarters after scoring 30 in the opening frame, and even led, 22-9, at one point. Marc Gasol carried the scoring duties all by himself (32 points on 61.1 percent shooting) with partners Mike Conley and Zach Randolph collectively going an atrocious 8-for-27 from the field, and it once again displayed the team’s inconsistent and limited ability on offense, which has long been their problem (29th in scoring this season).
With the failed experiment on O, we may see a Memphis team that will return to their old schemes, which is playing great defense, slowing the game down, and pounding the rock their pair of big bodies in the paint. Expect a similarly aggressive Gasol, although he ought to have more than five boards this time, and a much better Randolph, who should be able to rise from that dud performance.
The Grizz have now lost seven straight road games, which dates back to the regular season (2-5 ATS). Additionally, they have also lost nine consecutive playoff games to the Spurs.
The always well-oiled machine of the Spurs was running like it is Saturday night, as they easily recovered from a shaky first few minutes and outscored the Grizzlies by a combined 34 points in the next three quarters.
Kawhi Leonard, to no one’s surprise, came up big. He made 11 of 14 attempts for a game-high-tying 32 points, while big man LaMarcus Aldridge scored 20 and grabbed six boards. Their floor general, on the other hand, 15-year veteran Tony Parker, whose playmaking experience could be the x-factor of the series, chipped in 18 points in just 22 minutes of action.
The same production can be expected this Tuesday, and the San Antonio should be on their way for a two-zip lead. What the Grizz can do good, they can simply do better. The Spurs can defend and muscle in the shaded lane just as good, and more than that, the team is equipped to play various speeds effectively, which is unlike their opponents.
The Spurs are 16-4 in their last 20 games at home (8-12 ATS). The 111 points they scored in Game 1 was the most points scored by both teams in all of their five meetings this season (regular season and playoffs), and it was only the second time someone has put up 100 or more.
Writer’s Prediction
San Antonio (-10.5) wins, but doesn’t cover the spread.
