Spurs clinch series against Grizzlies in Memphis: 3 takeaways from Game 6
The San Antonio Spurs took their first game in Memphis to clinch the series and advance to the second round, winning 103-96.
In an intense physical matchup in a do-or-die Game 6, the Memphis Grizzlies fell to the experienced San Antonio Spurs at FedExForum, Thursday. The Grizzlies and Spurs went back-and-forth trading the lead, with San Antonio able to lean on ageless veterans and superstar Kawhi Leonard to seal the series and advance to the Texas showdown with the Houston Rockets.
Controlling tempo and fending off gut checks from the Memphis Grizzlies, the Spurs weathered the storm to take down the Grizzlies for the fourth time head-to-head in the playoffs. Lacking the shooting, star power, and athleticism that San Antonio possesses, Memphis was nearly able to pull its own weight coming ever so close to a Game 7 meeting.
In the end, the Spurs organization is a well-oiled machine built on championships and sustainability over time. An underdog in every facet of this matchup, Coach David Fizdale, and the Grizzlies have nothing to hang their heads about. Here are three takeaways from the Game 6 victory.
Takeaways
The Tony Parker “Fountain of Youth:” Tony Parker was up and down in the first round series, and at times he was really bad. Sporadic with his play, Parker went scoreless in a Game 3 loss that saw only 18 minutes for the former Finals MVP. Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs all season, but it was Parker who decided to elevate his play in the biggest moment. Up 3-2 on Memphis, Parker dissected the Memphis Grizzlies to tune of 27 points on 11-for-14 from the field.
Parker hit on two of his biggest shots of the series under three minutes in the fourth quarter to power the Spurs to their next round showdown in what will ultimately be known as “the battle for Texas.” If Parker can consistently stave off pressure on Leonard and provide a breather on his off nights, the San Antonio Spurs will go far in the playoffs. Parker shined bright Thursday, something we have become accustomed to from the 34-year-old over the years, showing the type of intensity the Spurs will need to make it to the NBA Finals.
Controlling the paint: In the two losses in Memphis, the Grizzlies controlled the paint and got physical with the Spurs frontcourt. After losing the battle on the boards to Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, the Spurs dominated inside and got back to their defensive prowess.
The Spurs cleaned up big on the glass in the series clincher totaling 46 rebounds to the Grizzlies’ 28. Time after time, LaMarcus Aldridge came up big, Dewayne Dedmon provided a spark and even David Lee got in on the action. The Spurs capitalized on second-chance points grabbing 16 rebounds on the offensive glass compared to only seven from Memphis.
Where Memphis consistently stayed up to par and was banging bodies down low, the Spurs’ focus on the Grizzlies’ rebounding proved to be the x-factor Thursday. LaMarcus Aldridge proved naysayers wrong criticizing his physicality with twelve rebounds on the night and San Antonio did the dirty work while looking like a force to be reckoned with.
Mike Conley did all he could: Another game with at least 24 points, Mike Conley did all he could to will his team to victory in this best-of-seven. Working his way from the shadows to garner some respect that was long overdue, Conley was the second best player in the series. Rivaling Kawhi Leonard, Conley had one of the better postseasons in his career and danced with an upset over the Spurs.
An off-night in efficiency, it was still Mike Conley who used smooth ball-handling and change in speed and direction to keep Memphis in the game. Conley utilized a quick release on runners at the rim and an improved 3-point shot to try and get back to San Antonio.
Conley, the newest alpha in Memphis will need a second scorer on the perimeter to shoulder the load once an aging Vince Carter retires. The franchise player, Conley exceeded all expectations in this first round matchup and is earning the max contract awarded in the offseason. With performances like this from Conley, the future is bright for David Fizdale, if management can compile competent role players, the Grizzlies will have no qualms with Conley as the floor general.
The San Antonio Spurs will kick off their second round series against Houston on Monday, May 1. Expect a great series with the leadership and defense of the Spurs against the razzle-dazzle of the Houston Rockets. The Kawhi Leonard-James Harden matchup is everything the playoffs are about, must-see tv.