Memphis at San Antonio

The Memphis Grizzlies became the first team in a decade to make the third round of the NBA Playoffs as a No. 5 seed or worse, but their opener vs. San Antonio was a stinker. The Grizzlies were beaten in every facet of the game. The Spurs' strategy was to handcuff Randolph, as he was doubled nearly every time he touched the ball. You could see his frustration, as he shot just 1-8. The Grizzlies have another problem here. San Antonio has played 27 home games this season with Duncan, Ginobli, and Parker all getting regular minutes, averaging 107.2 points per game in those games, so the 105 in Game One was no fluke. In those 27 games, the Spurs reached the century mark in 24 of them. Memphis has had a great defensive team for the past three years, which has included 10 trips to San Antonio. But, the defense has not lived up to the repuatation here, as the Spurs have averaged 101+ppg in the 10, and 102+ppg this season in the three played here. Memphis just doesn't have the offense to keep up, especially with the Spurs taking an essential scorer out of the game. Play on San Antonio.