G1: Grizzlies(0-0) vs. TrailBlazers(0-0)

Post #1 » by **SD2042** » Sun Apr 19, 2015 6:53 am

vs.

Who: Memphis Grizzlies(0-0) vs. Portland TrailBlazers(0-0)
When: Sunday, April 19th, 2015
Where: FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN
Time: 7:00 PM CST
TV/Radio: TNT, ESPN 92.9 FM
Season Series: Grizzlies won 4-0
Series Overall: Blazers lead 42-32
Playoff Series First Meeting
Team Trivia: Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph played six seasons in Portland after being selected with the 19th overall pick of the 2001 NBA Draft by the Trail Blazers. Randolph won the 2003‐04 NBA Most Improved Player Award in Portland and is the only player in club history to lead the team in scoring and rebounding for four straight years.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sxkwUMh8IE[/youtube]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pPqAjTSbzo[/youtube]

GrizzGirls

The Grindhouse

Grizzlies Starters

TrailBlazers Starters

Post #2 » by **jman3134** » Sun Apr 19, 2015 5:54 pm

We need to set the tone early - attack and play our bench at the right moments. Our rotations featuring bench through half of the fourth quarter cannot happen.

Also, we will need to rotate Conley in and out early to avoid further wear and tear.

Post #3 » by **SD2042** » Sun Apr 19, 2015 10:06 pm

The pressure will be on Lillard to keep the Blazers offense on point with Matthews and Afflalo being out of action and not able to provide more perimeter offense to keep the defense at bay. To me, Courtney Lee needs to be the factor in this series as he will draw CJ McCollum at the SG. Also taking advantage of the Blazers lack of depth will be the biggest advantage the Grizzlies can exploit in the series. Take care of business beginning tonight will go a long way towards getting to the next round.

Post #4 » by **jman3134** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 12:22 am

So far we look better, but a series of bad breaks has them neck and neck with us. Love the way Conley is playing early - super aggressive.

Post #5 » by **jman3134** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 12:53 am

Beno Udrih is absolutely on fire in this one. Grizz have been swarming Lillard. They need to retain strength on glass, as they have been giving up some offensive boards lately.

fullermd · Post #6 » by **fullermd** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 12:59 am

I think you all have a much stronger bench for the playoffs. Vet leadership off the bench is superior, and IMO that will be the difference in the series

Post #7 » by **jman3134** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 1:12 am

We have been playing our bench in big moments all season. Worked out when we had the cavalry to bring in if things went array. But, they do have a lot of experience.

Post #8 » by **jman3134** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 1:33 am

Conley aggressive early in third...like his energy again. We need Zach to secure glass.

Post #9 » by **SD2042** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 1:40 am

So far, the Grizz are looking good here. Conley looks like himself here and Udrih is bring his game against the Blazers. Would like to see more rebounding here as the Blazers are leading 35-28 here and step more production from Z-Bo and Lee.

Post #10 » by **jman3134** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 1:48 am

I guess what Blazers have not figured out is that Conley will struggle to shoot if you leave him because of plantar fasciitis. If they played off of him, he would be a lot less effective. Still, Conley is more than capable of adjusting.

Post #11 » by **SD2042** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 1:54 am

jman3134 wrote:I guess what Blazers have not figured out is that Conley will struggle to shoot if you leave him because of plantar fasciitis. If they played off of him, he would be a lot less effective. Still, Conley is more than capable of adjusting.

Yep. He's showing that in this case tonight. Also having some rest off that foot can provide some difference. Like you said earlier, they need to be careful with his minutes throughout this series to keep the foot issue at bay if possible.

Post #12 » by **SD2042** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 1:57 am

Beno working the Blazers in the post. on that move.

Post #13 » by **jman3134** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 1:57 am

For once, I would like to see the bench in the game. Bring the starters in to finish.

Post #14 » by **SD2042** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 1:59 am

Koufos rejected the hell out of LMA.

Would be nice to see what the bench can do at this point. Really want to see a Jordan Adams appearance after his last two regular season games.

Post #15 » by **jman3134** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 2:06 am

Beno needs to keep this up ....he has been tremendous. We are giving Lillard all kinds of headaches. Tony Allen is indespensible.

Post #16 » by **SD2042** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 2:06 am

Beno Udrih with a career playoff high 20pts.

Post #17 » by **jman3134** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 2:06 am

Beno needs to keep this up ....he has been tremendous. We are giving Lillard all kinds of headaches. Tony Allen is indispensable.

Post #18 » by **SD2042** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 2:08 am

Koufos taking some lessons from Dikembe Mutombo and is starting a block party here.

Post #19 » by **SD2042** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 2:12 am

TA drives a slam dunk home on the Blazers.

Post #20 » by **SD2042** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 2:37 am

Good win here tonight. The Grizz got off to a strong start and did lose that lead. Everybody contributed and did well from starters to bench. Look forward to Wednesday night's Game 2.