Nelson Chenault – USA Today Sports Images
After being defeated in their first two games of this year’s NBA Playoffs, the Memphis Grizzlies went into game three against the Los Angeles Clippers with a ton of worries. If they lost game three, they would likely be headed for a sweep in what was thought to be a great matchup. Luckily for the Grizzlies, though, they came out in game three and earned a 94-82 victory.
There were several factors that helped guide the Grizzlies to their win on Thursday night. The first was their fantastic defense on Chris Paul, who they held to just eight points and four assists and forced into committing five turnovers. Marc Gasol played great defense and had a nice offensive game. The biggest reason they were successful, though, was the fact that Zach Randolph finally returned to his elite form.
Through the first two games of the series, something definitely looked off with Randolph. He averaged just 13 points and six rebounds over those two games, though he did shoot a combined 11-20 from the field. He also turned the ball over three times per game over the first two contests. He seemed to be laboring and like he was having difficulty asserting his will in the post and getting his shot off. Apparently all he need was to come home to Memphis, though.
On Thursday in game three, Randolph put up 27 points and 11 rebounds on 9-18 shooting for the night. Six of his rebounds were also on the offensive glass, which were huge as they gave Memphis second chance opportunities. He seemed aggressive for the first time in the series and like nothing had ever been bothering him.
When Randolph plays the way he did on Thursday night, the effect that it has on the Grizzlies is palpable and noticeable. The Grizzlies aren’t a potent offensive team and they rely on Randolph’s production offensively and on the offensive boards to create those second chance opportunities. For the Grizzlies, they have to be hoping that game three was a sign of things to come from Randolph because that would benefit them greatly. If it was just a flash of brilliance, though, and Randolph returns to the form he showed in games one and two, Memphis is going to go back to struggling.
Cody Williams is a Senior NBA Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20 and like his Facebook page.
