On Tuesday, the San Antonio Spurs battled the Memphis Grizzlies in Game two of the NBA’s Western Conference Finals. After jumping out to a big first-half lead, the Spurs faltered down the stretch but hung on for an overtime win.
San Antonio recovers for 93-89 overtime win over Memphis
On Tuesday, the San Antonio Spurs slugged their way to a 93-89 overtime victory in Game two over the Memphis Grizzlies for a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference Finals series.
Memphis was able to keep San Antonio in check in the first quarter – this time around, it was the second that gave them fits. After scoring only 15 points in the first, the Spurs used a 31-18 second quarter to head into halftime with a 15-point advantage.
Holding the Spurs’ offense to 46 points in the first half wasn’t bad in and of itself. The Grizzlies’ problem was offense. Memphis was sluggish out of the gate at the other end of the court, scoring only 31 points in the first half. They shot 33% in the first quarter on their way to 13 points, and 30% in the second.
Despite the large deficit, though, they stormed back. Memphis outscored San Antonio 21-9 in the final quarter behind a 15-2 run to close out the half. Down by 13 with just over seven minutes left was when the Grizzlies made their move. Randolph and Quincy Pondexter combined for 11 points the rest of the way, sending the game to overtime. But in the extra period, their shooting struggles continued as they went only 2-12 from the field for four points.
All five San Antonio starters scored in double figures, led by Tony Parker’s 15 points and career-best 18 assists. Those 15 points came on only 6-20 shooting, but Parker had plenty of help. Tim Duncan had 17 points, nine rebounds, four blocks, and two steals. He was most valuable in overtime, accounting for six of the Spurs’ eight points.
As expected, San Antonio wasn’t clicking as well offensively as they were in Game 1. They were solid in the first half, but faltered down the stretch, shooting only 43% on the night. But while they were beaten badly on the boards (60-46) and had more turnovers than the Grizzlies, they survived based on some solid defense and Memphis’ continued shooting woes.
Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph recovered to play better in this game, finishing with 15 points and 18 rebounds. But like the rest of the team, he got off to a rough start. He started the game with an offensive foul and then a three-second call the next time down the court before scoring only two points in the quarter. Randolph also shot only 6-18 from the field and despite the rebounding, wasn’t terribly efficient on offense.
If anything, the Spurs’ defense coupled by poor shooting by Memphis is carrying them in this series. San Antonio has been beaten on the glass and has more turnovers in the series, but the Grizzlies’ offense has just been abysmal to this point. Even if the Spurs don’t perform better in those areas, Memphis can’t contend if they can’t score.
Game 3 will be Saturday in Memphis as the Grizzlies try to right the ship.
