Warriors Aim to Continue Brilliance vs Grizzlies

By Greg Chin | May 3, 2015

After having an entire week’s worth of rest, the Golden State Warriors will start their second-round series tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Warriors needed just four games to put away their first round opponents – the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Grizzlies needed five against the Portland Trail Blazers. As a result, both teams will be well-rested heading into this series.

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Earlier in the regular season, the Grizzlies were one of the few teams that many thought could challenge the Warriors in the postseason. However, as the season went on, the Grizzlies struggled with fatigue and injuries, and subsequently lost their stride.

That said, they looked dangerous in their first-round series, and promptly dismantled the Blazers. Let’s take a look at some of the key matchups and keys to the series!

Keys to the Series

Pace & Space vs Grit and Grind

This series has been billed as the battle of the contrasting play styles. The Warriors love to get out and run, spread the floor with their shooting, and are heavily reliant on shooting three-pointers. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, prefer an inside-out offense, and a lot of their offense revolves around their big man tandem of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.

Both teams are at their best when they rely on their strengths. The first team to cave and succumb to the other team’s playing style will be the first to lose. The Warriors cannot afford to turn this game into a slowed-down “slogfest”, while the Grizzlies won’t be able to keep up with the Warriors if they try to out-run them.

Health

As always, health will play a big factor in this series. The Grizzlies are already hurting, with Mike Conley out with a facial fracture. It is unsure whether Conley will play at all during this series, and his absence will give the Warriors a huge boost. Without Conley, the Grizzlies will have to rely on Nick Calathes and Beno Udrih as their point guards, and neither one can realistically slow down Stephen Curry.

On the other side, Andrew Bogut is the key man for the Warriors. He provides the Warriors with the size they need to take on the Grizzlies’ double-big lineup, and the team is sure to struggle without him. Bogut’s spotty injury history is a concern, so Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr will have to keep an eye on his minutes.

Key Matchups

Stephen Curry vs. Nick Calathes/Beno Udrih/Mike Conley

In the first round, Curry showed the NBA that he meant business. Averaging 33.8 points per game, he was almost unstoppable in every game, torching the Pelicans’ defense every night. While Udrih and Calathes are capable defenders, it is unlikely that they will be able to cool down a very-hot Curry.

However, if Conley is present, the Grizzlies’ chances will improve drastically. Conley is one of the league’s best defensive point guards, and has the qualities necessary to make Curry work for his points.

Draymond Green vs Zach Randolph

With similar playing styles, personalities, and a mutual connection to Tom Izzo, Draymond Green and Zach Randolph share a lot more in common than you might think. The two forwards are testy, hardworking players that aren’t of dishing out some trash talk on the court.

Green has done an incredible job this season as the Warriors’ power forward, despite his natural position as a small forward. He uses his strength well to combat the bigger opponents, and rarely gives an inch in the post. Randolph, on the other hand, is one of the league’s best low-post players. He bullies his opponents with his size, and can score with either hand.

A classic case of the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object.

Andrew Bogut vs Marc Gasol

Both Andrew Bogut and Marc Gasol share one thing in common: both players had their team’s offense redesigned to take full advantage of their strengths. The Warriors utilised Bogut’s passing a lot more frequently in their offensive sets this season, and cut out a lot of the Bogut post-ups from last season. Meanwhile, coach Joerger essentially gave Gasol the keys to the Grizzlies’ offense, and rebuilt their offense around him.

The two players are equally indispensable on the defensive end for their respective teams. Bogut is the biggest man in the starting lineup, and provides their small-ball lineup with rim protection. And while Gasol started the season off slowly on the defensive end, he has returned to his best and is leading the league’s fourth-best defense.

Next: Grit and Grind vs Pace and Space

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