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*Photo via AP
Who’s impressing?
Through game 3, with the Memphis Grizzlies leading the Golden State Warriors in the series 2-1, which players are impressing? Below are the top 5 players in this series, ranked from lowest to highest, for… you know… drama.
5. Stephen Curry – PG – Golden State Warriors
Yes, Curry SHOULD probably higher on this list. Curry SHOULD be number one on this list. Curry SHOULD have his team up 3-0. But you know what? None of those things are true. In fact, in spite of Curry playing pretty well (not great), Golden State is down 2-1. Oops. Steph, if you want some other Warriors on this list, get some more Ws.
4. Tony Allen – SF – Memphis Grizzlies
Though Tony Allen only has been averaging 10.33 points per game in this series, his impact has been on the defensive end. With Curry averaging 21.33 points, and Klay Thompson averaging 16.0 points, Tony Allen’s defensive intensity is a lot to thank for that. Also, Allen is averaging a whopping FOUR steals per game. Quite impressive for the talented defensive swingman.
3. Mike Conley – PG – Memphis Grizzlies
The leader and facilitator for Memphis, Conley’s return to the lineup has inspired his team on both sides of the floor. He sets up every play of offense, getting the big men the ball where they like it, and setting up sharpshooters like Courtney Lee, Nick Calathas and Jeff Green for open jumpers. Defensively he puts a ton of pressure on the ball-handler, giving his team a head-start on every possession. Though he could be the most important man in Memphis, he hasn’t been the best on his team, and that is saying something.
2. Zach Randolph – PF – Memphis Grizzlies
Zach Randolph has been an absolute beast for Memphis. He doesn’t take a ton of shots, but he doesn’t need to. He and his low post running-mate have eerily similar numbers, respectively, in the first three games (Marc Gasol’s numbers will be discussed later).
Game 1 – 20 points, 9 rebounds, 9-15 shooting
Game 2 – 20 points, 7 rebounds, 7-16 shooting
Game 3 – 22 points, 8 rebounds, 9-15 shooting
That’s a stifling 25 for 46 shooting at 54.3 percent. Randolph’s toughness, low post mobility, and soft 15ft jumpers, may be enough o help Memphis pull off this upset.
1. Marc Gasol – C – Memphis Grizzlies
I’ll just leave this right here…
Game 1 – 21 points, 9 rebounds, 5-10 shooting
Game 2 – 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5-10 shooting
Game 3 – 21 points, 15 rebounds, 6-17 shooting
Gasol has 57 points on 37 shots. That’s scoring 1.54 points per shot. That’s Lebron James territory. Gasol has been impressive offensively. We all know how he can impact the game on the defensive end, but he’s been shooting with great accuracy, especially that 20 foot jumper from the elbow. If the Grizzlies continue to roll, look to Gasol to be in the discussion for playoffs MVP.
Who SHOULD be on this list: Klay Thompson, Draymond Green.
Gotta pick it up.