Game 2: Grizzlies @ Thunder
Posted: Tue May 3, 2011 8:03 am
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Who: Memphis Grizzlies(1-0) @ Oklahoma City Thunder(0-1)
When: Tuesday, May 3rd
Where: Oklahoma City Arena in Oklahoma City, OK
Time: 7:00 PM CST
TV/Radio: SpSo / WRBO 103.5 FM
Overall Series: Thunder lead 43-17
Playoff Series: Grizzlies lead 1-0
Season Series: Grizzlies lead 3-1
Trivia Facts: Grizzlies SG Tony Allen payed his collegiate career at Oklahoma State University.
Oklahoma City Arena
Key Matchups to Watch
Westbrook vs. Allen
Look for TA to guard Westbrook in this series. Westbrook is quick on both ends. Scores in a hurry, rebounds very efficiently, and has the high energy and stats to prove it. TA's defense is the reason why he needs to draw Westbrook. I believe he can force Westbrook into some shooting woes and make Westbrook cough up the ball.
ZBo vs. Ibaka
ZBo as we know played like a man on a mission in the series vs. the Spurs. His offensive ability to take his opponent on and off the dribble will be depended on well as he draws the defenses of the improve PF Serge Ibaka. Since former PF Jeff Green was traded to Boston in February, Ibaka has stepped up big for the Thunder on defense and blocks per game. Best bet for ZBo is to mix it up against Ibaka and draw him into foul trouble in order to weaken he Thunder's interior post.
The Grizzly Beast vs. The Thunder Beast
Marc Gasol stats speaks volumes in the series vs. the Spurs. His prsence on both ends will be key as wlll in the post. His ability to hit the mid range jumper, rebounding and bang in the post will be key for the Grizz in the post vs. Kendrick Perkins. Perkins was brought in to bolster up the Thunder's interior post presence. Perkins job will be to rebound and play hard nose defense against Marc. Like Ibaka, Perk can be drawn into foul trouble.
Durantula vs. Young/Battier
Considering it's KD here. The Grizz defense can do either one or two things. Plan A would be to allow KD to do his thing and isolate him from his teammates by allowing him to take the load. Plan B would be to deny him the slashing lanes for him to be effective and force him to beat the Grizz from outside. Either way, handling KD will be hands full.
Growlerz Bench vs. Thunder Bench
This is a toss up. Whichever bench can step up huge by attacking the boards, limiting scoring opportunities for their opponent, and taking care of the rock, will determine who may win the series.
Grizzlies Celeb of the Game
Nicole Scherzinger
Grizzlies Starters
Spurs Starters
