The Memphis Grizzlies were 1.7 seconds from beating San Antonio and wrapping up their first round series, but the Spurs Gary Neal ruined everything.
Neal hit a three-pointer as time expired to send the game into overtime, and San Antonio held on for a 110-103 win over the Grizzlies to stay alive.
Memphis fought back from a 16-point first half deficit and led 88-82 with 4:18 left and held on to their lead until Neal sank his game tying shot.
The only question that arises from Memphis’ loss is why the players didn’t follow coach Lionel Hollins instructions to either foul before anyone had a chance to take a three-pointer or guard the three point line.
Aside from that mental mistake, the Grizzlies availed themselves well. San Antonio needed all the luck and clutch shooting they could muster to send the series back to Memphis.
And not to make excuses, but Memphis didn’t get any help from the officials. San Antonio was called for 18 fouls while the Grizzlies were called for 28, but the Spurs could have easily been called for at least another half dozen fouls.
The pundits will probably spend a lot time on Thursday talking about the pressure being on the Grizzlies to close out the series at home on Friday.
A lot will be said about Memphis’ mindset after suffering such a crushing loss, but the Grizzlies are still leading this series, and nothing they’ve done in the previous five games against the Spurs suggests they’re going to fold.
A lot of credit has to be given to the Spurs, a four time NBA champion that was fighting to stave off elimination. Instead of focusing on Memphis, perhaps the experts should be talking about a Spurs team that’s lucky to still be playing.
Despite what anyone may say, the pressure remains on San Antonio. If anything, this series has taught us that Memphis can play poorly and still give the Spurs all they want, but if the Grizzlies are on their game, San Antonio is in trouble.
On Friday night at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, we’ll find out what both of these teams are all about.
