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Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzles (Series tied 1-1)
Game Time, TV: Saturday, May 9 – 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Projected Starting Lineups:
Golden State Warriors: PG: Stephen Curry, SG: Klay Thompson, SF: Harrison Barnes, PF: Draymond Green, C: Andrew Bogut
Memphis Grizzlies: PG: Mike Conley, SG: Courtney Lee, SF: Tony Allen, PF: Zach Randolph, C: Marc Gasol
The Memphis Grizzlies might not play as fluent an offensive game as their second-round opponents, the Golden State Warriors, but that has not stopped them from becoming a threat to knock off the mighty Warriors in this series.
In Game 1, it was all about the Warriors fast-moving, sweet-shooting offense where Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were allowed to get easy looks thanks to their high-octane offensive sets concentrated on perimeter shooting and slashing to the rim. In Game 2, the Grizzlies responded with an all-around stellar defensive performance, holding the Warriors to 90 points on 42 percent shooting from the field. They delivered the Warriors their third loss of the season in their home building, simultaneously capturing that coveted win on the road they needed in order to have a chance to win this series.
The key matchup of this game will be Thompson vs. Tony Allen. Thompson was visibly frustrated throughout Game 2 and reportedly did not speak with the media after the conclusion of the game. He is going to come out angry and wanting to deliver his best for his team, but Allen has always been one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. If he can shut down Thompson again, the Grizzlies will be in great shape to win this game.
However, I do not see the Grizzlies winning this game. The Warriors as a unit will come out much more focused than they were after their Game 1 win, and it will be tough for the Grizzlies to play with the same edge in Game 3 considering how they won Game 2.
It will be a good game, but I see the Warriors taking this one.
Prediction: Warriors 108, Grizzlies 103
Dan Schultz is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @dschultz89. “Like” him on Facebook and add him on Google.
