Golden State Warriors appear to have Grizzlies’ number
By Dale Johnson
If last night was a potential playoff preview, the Memphis Grizzlies might want to consider going in to early hibernation if they meet the Warriors in the post-season.
Not withstanding a horrid fourth quarter played exclusively by the Warriors bench, Golden State dominated Memphis, leading by as many as 32 points and a score of 93 – 66 at the end of the third quarter. Klay Thompson did his best Klay Thompson impression in the second, going for 26 points and 37 overall in the first half.
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The Warriors have now beat Memphis handily (again, last night’s final score didn’t at all reflect how crushing the Warriors offensive and defense were through three quarters) in their last two meetings and seem to overall be a really bad matchup for the Grizzlies. Memphis has scored fewer than 100 points in 6 of their last 10 games, the Warriors are 40-0 when holding opponents under 100.
Golden State made a few subtle changes in last night’s game to extend their dominance. Most importantly, they put Andrew Bogut on Zach Randolph. The move forced Randolph out of the post and in to taking contested jumpers and he never got in a rhythm. He ended up with 10 points and was -31. This is where the defensive brilliance of Draymond Green really shines. Moving Bogut to Randolph obviously means Green has to cover the much taller Marc Gasol. No problem. Gasol finished with just 6 points and 2 rebounds. Well off his averages of 17 & 7 per game. Yeah, Green is a totally overrated defender.
Apr 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward
Zach Randolph(50) drives in against Golden State Warriors center
Andrew Bogut(12) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Warriors bench obviously has to play better, but they did hold their own when was the game was still in the balance before the fourth quarter. The play of Festus Ezeli should be noted because he is starting to be a truly serviceable backup to Bogut. He is no doubt more fluid then Bogut at this point on offense, and can hold his own on defense. Having a rim protector in their second unit is something the Warriors were sorely missing early in the year.
The Warriors don’t call on Ezeli every night, and match ups will dictate when he is needed, but the big man from Vanderbilt has become an important cog in this machine and serves an important role against teams like Memphis who have quality offensive bigs who look to score in the paint. Ezeli has played a combined 33 minutes in the Warriors last two games against the Grizzlies.
The Splash Brothers are the Splash Brothers, and they will continue to do their thing, regardless of opponent. In their March 27th meeting with the Grizzlies, Steph Curry dropped 38 points in 34 minutes. Last night it was Klay with the 42 burger. More than likely, one of these two is going to go off and Memphis really has no answer for either one of them.
The Grizzlies are known for having a tremendously strong front court and great defense. The Warriors have both of those things, plus prolific shooters, a deep bench and Roarcale Arena. Advantage Golden State.