R1/GAME1: Grizzlies (0-0) @ OKC Thunder (0-0)

[vanjulio]

@
Memphis Grizzlies (0-0) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (0-0)
08:30 PM CT, April 19th, 2014
Ford Center - Oklahoma City, OK
TV: ESPN

Team Trivia: Tony Allen played college hoops at nearby Oklahoma State where he was named BIG12 player of the year his senior season. OKC's Hasheem Thabeet was originally drafted by Memphis with the #2 pick. The Thunder selected #3 James Harden in that same draft, but failed to retain him in free agency. Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka were teammates on the Spanish Men's national basketball team.





Grizzlies Starting 5



Thundercats Starting 5




Bench Heroes




Hey Mr. Perkins,
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmUc7QCvSLU[/youtube]

[vanjulio]

Another tidbit:

The last time the Grizzlies saw Caron Butler in the post-season was game6 against the LAC on May3rd, 2013. Butler went 7/16 with 3 reb, 0 assist, 0 stl, 0 blk, and 2 turnovers.

It seems insane to look back and see Eric Bledsoe only got 9 mins in that game but Butler started for them with 36 minutes and Grant Hill with 20 minutes. I also can't believe Grant Hill was still playing a year ago either! It feels like he's been on TV and retired for a decade already.

Also I think Vinny Del Negro did more with less than Doc Rivers has done... And the Thunder have maintained excellence this year despite having a really weak talent-level on their bench (though mostly young and up-and-coming). And Derek Fischer and Caron Butler's careers are DEAD.

[Skrilla Steve]

Should be a great series (unless Durant just goes off). We really need to steal one of these first two away games. And hopefully since tomorrow is my birthday, we go ahead and win that one!

[Snoopie]

Everyone and their mother will be/are tipping the Thunder in 6 or 7 games but I really think we can take them. Game 1 is crucial - probably the most important game of the series.

Gasol needs to be more aggressive on offense though, which isn't really any different to any other time. Looking forward to Zbo beating up on Perk!

[Skrilla Steve]

With Nick Calathes suspended for 20 games...guess it's time for Beno Udrih to step up. I personally have been wanting to see more of Udrih even though Calathes had been stepping up, especially on man defense. I always remember Udrih playing very well agains the Grizzlies, and it turns out (which I had to look up) he actually averaged anywhere from 11.0 to 13.7 ppg over a four year stretch with the Kings. Then, it looks like he had some less than stellar seasons from 2011 up until now (probably due to age and being on the Bucks...sorry Bucks). Hope he's ready to step into the role on the biggest stage

Nick Calathes story: http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10805807/memphis-grizzlies-guard-nick-calathes-facing-20-game-suspension

[SD2042]

The one thing Udrih doesn't bring that Calathes brings is some deceptive defense. We will miss that part from NC. As for the matchup, this will be a long hard fought series between these two teams. KD will get his, but lockdown the defense on Westbrook will be vital. Courtney Lee will likely draw Westbrook and have to make him work for his offense. Reggie Jackson and Serge Ibaka have to become perimeter shooters.

Grizzlies have to get off to a strong start. Create opportunities for each other. GaZ-Bo have to own the interior and mid-range game. MC11 have to play a strong game and the bench have to step up in the series to make their mark.

[jefe]

They have the bigs to slow down Zbo and Marc - hopefully Brooks ends up giving Perkins tons of minutes and keeps Collison and Adams glued to the bench. Beyond that, space the floor on the offensive end and hope Miller, Lee and Conley make them pay for doubling in the post.

On the defensive end, keep throwing bodies at Durant to make him work, hope that Westbrook takes a bunch of stupid or "ill-advised" shots, and hope that we can play defense without fouling - a parade to the freethrow line for OKC will be tough for us to overcome.

[Skrilla Steve]

They have the bigs to slow down Zbo and Marc - hopefully Brooks ends up giving Perkins tons of minutes and keeps Collison and Adams glued to the bench. Beyond that, space the floor on the offensive end and hope Miller, Lee and Conley make them pay for doubling in the post.

On the defensive end, keep throwing bodies at Durant to make him work, hope that Westbrook takes a bunch of stupid or "ill-advised" shots, and hope that we can play defense without fouling - a parade to the freethrow line for OKC will be tough for us to overcome.

This is what I'm really worried about...

[vanjulio]

Beno has been a very enthusiastic guy so I think he can step in and play a role. BUT I loved the spark Calathes was providing. THis is a small blow... but it shouldn't sway the series one way or another. I am in Memphis this weekend and get to watch this one game here before I head back to New England Monday! I THINK I WILL GET A WIN TONIGHT!

[Snoopie]

Looking flustered and unsettled. Need to just take a few breaths and rely on our systems.

OKC won't keep shooting at such a high percentage all game so it's all about riding the storm and taking the shots we have.

Prince can't handle KD

[jefe]

We're playing scared, which is unusual for this team.

[SD2042]

Neither can JJ. This team is not playing well together right now. They are down all across the board. If they wish to get back into this game, they must get back to playing smart and execute better on both ends.

[Snoopie]

Grindfather starting for Prince (stomach bug?) in the 2nd half.

It's certainly done something. 9 points down!

[Snoopie]

This delay is killing our momentum..

[Snoopie]

Starting to look more like the Grizzlies we know.

Dat right-hand floater from Conley....

[Snoopie]

Didn't expect that quarter but will take it!

Memories of that playoff game against the Clipps a few years back. Just the other way round!!!

[Snoopie]

So Prince being healthy or not, TA has to start Game 2, you would think..

... and the rest of the playoffs, however long it lasts for us.

[vanjulio]

yeah I put Tony Allen as the starter for the game2 thread in anticipation of that move. I want to hear soon how Conley is doing and if Prince is hurt or just too old to hang with OKC. IMO James Johsnon deserves more looks if we can dig out of this hole. The Grizzlies looked like deer in headlights at the start and barely ran an offense. And just could not rise to the occasion. They have 36 hrs now to prepare their game plan and bounce back. I still believe

[Skrilla Steve]

Whatever we did in that 2nd half (especially the 3rd quarter)...sign me up for more of that. Win or lose game 2, we need to have the focus, intensity, and grittiness for the whole game.

Heck, last year we lost the first two games at LA (the first one by 21 I believe) and still came back to win the series. It's possible. But you cannot go down by 24 in the first half, just to have to expend all of your energy to make a comeback. Go Grizz.