The pundits will tell you that Memphis stole Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference NBA playoff series against San Antonio, but don’t believe it.
The Grizzlies didn’t steal Game 1, they took it away from the Spurs, beating San Antonio 101-98 using the same formula of pounding the ball inside and playing tough defense that has proven successful all season.
Memphis overcame a 10-point deficit late in the third quarter and also came back from four down with 1:06 left in the game to get their first playoff win in franchise history.
Some of the NBA analysts have attempted to make excuses for the Spurs loss because Manu Ginobili didn’t play, but Memphis hasn’t made any excuses since they’ve been without Rudy Gay for the past two months.
With the media calling the Grizzlies’ win “stunning,” it was the Spurs and the 18,581 in attendance at AT&T Center who were left stunned after Memphis fought back to win the game.
It was a telling moment for a Grizzlies team that some believed had no chance to beat San Antonio. But the so-called experts don’t know about this team’s grit and ability to claw their way back from deficits like they’ve done countless times all season.
Memphis has a tough road ahead against a veteran team like San Antonio that’s been through the playoff battles, but winning Game 1 of this series accomplished much more than just shifting home court advantage.
The Grizzlies let everyone in the NBA know that they’re a team to be reckoned with, and while they may not ultimately win this series they set the tone for the remaining games.
And despite what anyone will say, it doesn’t matter if Ginobili plays or not because Memphis is prepared for San Antonio regardless of who’s on the floor.
On Monday morning when everyone will be wondering how Memphis was able to steal Game 1 from the Spurs, let them know what you learned here.
The Grizzlies didn’t steal anything, they took what belonged to them.
