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Is it too early to plan that fishing trip?? I certainly hope so. Game 1 of Spurs vs Grizzlies was looking a lot like last year's results when San Antonio blew Memphis out and eventually swept them 4-0 in the series. San Anton won 111-82. The Grizzlies kept it close early and had a 30-25 lead at the 1st quarter, but then were outscored 86-52 the rest of the game. Ypu can't blame Marc Gasol, he was putting in that work and had 32 points. Unfortunately, everybody else was a no show and the Spurs took care of business in the second half, especially in the 3rd quarter where they put the game away. Tony Allen's absence was felt as Kawhi Leonard led San Antonio with an easy 32 points. He was a light 11-14 from the field. Let's face it, without the "Grindfather" nobody on that Grizzlies team can guard Leonard one on one. They are going to have to double team him as soon as possible.
Mike Conley and Zach Randolph struggled out there and couldn't find the basket. Like I mentioned before, Conley will have to take his game to the next level (dominate) if Memphis has a chance to steal this series or keep it close. No matter who is guarding him, he has to be aggressive, scoring and playmaking for teammates. In Game 1, Danny Green ( who is a very good defender) got the best of him. If this is going to happen, then it's a wrap for this series. It is going to be another sweep. As for Z-Bo, I think coach David Fizdale has to start him. JaMychal Green is a nice player, but he isn't pumping fear in the Spurs hearts. Randolph on the other hand will get the respect on defense and if he is on, he can get a double team or two.This will also put less pressure on Gasol and Conley to score when they have the ball. Coach Fizdale doesn't need to worry about matchups on the defensive end because the Spurs start two bigs, Lamarcus Aldridge and Dewayne Dedmon, so they wouldn't be any match up problems.
Another adjustment that coach Fiz will have to make is getting Troy Daniels in the starting line up for scoring and spacing. He can shoot the rock from three-point land and he has playoff experience from when he was with the Houston Rockets in 2014. He hit an eventual game winning three pointer against the Portland Blazers and had 17 points in Game 3 of that series. D-league call up, Wayne Selden got the start in Game 1 and played as you would expect. But with Daniels, there are going to be repercussions if he is left wide open. Grizzlies need more scoring punch out there if they are going to hang with San Antonio and that's why you put in players who can help with the scoring. Basketball is a game of adjustments and coaches get paid the big bucks to make these decisions. So we will see what happens, Game 2, tonight at 9:30pm. Hopefully it's a closer game than game 1.