The word “embarrassing” is what is heard on all the podcasts and social media, and no one seems satisfied despite the fact that the San Francisco team is ahead of the series with 3-2. That didn’t matter on Wednesday night.
The game is just over, and the Grizzlies, despite the fact that they played without Ja Morant, their superstar, defeated the Golden State Warriors 135-94.
The Warriors appeared arrogant, relaxed and showed all the teams that in the NBA playoffs, if you do not show up, you will lose in a hard way. Today’s game is crucial for a number of factors that we will analyze in this article.
#1 If the Grizzlies win Game 6, they will probably win the 7th
The Memphis team, without Morant, turns into a very dangerous one that can beat anyone. With a record of 20-5 in the regular season in the 25 games without their star, they showed some interesting elements.
Elements that they used in the last two games:
- It was the best half-court defense in the league. The presence of Ja, despite the fact that makes them a very good offensive team, weakens the defense and especially the point of attack defense. Without him, the guards can stay in front of his opponents and thus give Jaren Jackson Jr the opportunity to react better, to play without constantly committing fouls and to influence the game as what he really is: one of the best defenders in the league.
- They have excellent movement away from the ball and spacing. With several capable shooters and the ball moving more, the Grizzlies open their opponents’ defenses and shoot continuously. 45% on threes in game 5 was just something similar to what we saw in all 25 games of the regular season.
- Adams’ return to rotation makes them powerful in the glass, with their starter in the regular season proving how valuable he is once again by averaging 13 rebounds in the last two games.
All of the above show us how good the Grizzlies are as a whole. But if we take into account the enthusiasm of a young team, a 3-3 chance in a series that many thought was over will put the Warriors with the back against the wall.
In this sense, victory is much needed for Golden State.