If we have learned anything from the first round of the NBA Playoffs it’s that the first game of a series is hardly the deciding factor. With that being said, the New York Knicks and the Memphis Grizzlies are in the hole 1-0, however one of those teams look like they don’t even belong in the postseason to begin with.
New York got off to a scorching 3-0 start in their first round match up with the Boston Celtics, however the aging Knicks managed to stretch that series to six. Carmelo Anthony usually goes into hibernation once the playoffs begin and with 18 missed shots in game versus the Indiana Pacers, the horizon does not look bright for the Knicks. Meanwhile, the Pacers already have the physical edge with David West having a commanding advantage when Melo was guarding him.
As bad as the Knicks have looked, that is how good both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Grizzlies played on Sunday. Without Russell Westbrook, the Thunder have had to shake things up a bit, but it was a familiar face who stole the show for OKC — Derek Fisher had a timely steal with just 20 seconds left to give Kevin Durant an open look for the game winner.
Playing without a superstar, the Grizzlies have excelled at playing team basketball, but they will eventually need someone to step up and counteract the greedy Durant.
Either way, this series is going to go seven games. With the best front court in the NBA, Memphis has stood the test of time and have also shown that they are not scared to mix it up with the Thunder.
