Dec 16, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives around a pick by forward Draymond Green (23) on Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
2. The Grizzlies can’t score with the Warriors
Memphis signed Vince Carter in the offseason with hopes of him becoming a wing scorer that they desperately needed. That didn’t work. They traded for Jeff Green during the season, thinking that he can become their go-to wing scorer. That didn’t happen. Jordan Adams was also drafted and was considered one of the better scorers in the draft class, but he hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase what he can provide and has been somewhat of a disappointment. However, Adams did have his best game against the Warriors near the end of the regular season.
On the other hand, everyone knows that the Warriors can score. From Steph Curry to Klay Thompson to Draymond Green to even Mo Speights and Leandro Barbosa, the Warriors know how to put the ball in the basket. Anything from Harrison Barnes is an extra and that’s when Golden State becomes even more lethal.
Mar 27, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives in the second half against Memphis Grizzlies guard Nick Calathes (12) at FedExForum. Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 107-84. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
1. Memphis doesn’t have a star like Stephen Curry
The playoffs aren’t rocket science. To win it all, you need an elite player. Kawhi Leonard became that for the San Antonio Spurs last season. LeBron James was that for the Miami Heat. The last team to win an NBA Finals without one guy that was one of the premier players in the league was possibly the 2004 Detroit Pistons.
The Grizzlies are a good team defensively and average on the offense end, but lack a superstar that is needed to win during this time of the year. Marc Gasol might be the best center in the league, but he has limited competition outside of Dwight Howard and DeMarcus Cousins.
Mike Conley is one of the most underrated point guards in the league, but he isn’t a superstar. Zach Randolph isn’t even a top five power forward in the league and hasn’t played well against the Warriors this season.
Stephen Curry is a bona fide NBA superstar. He is already one of the most difficult covers in league history and has shown zero signs of slowing down. He helped steer an epic 20-point comeback in New Orleans when the Warriors were down by that margin to start the 4th quarter. He ended up making perhaps the biggest shot of his career in the corner over a storm of Pelicans…with his eyes closed and while being fouled (although they didn’t call it in the game).
As good as the Grizzlies defense is, they won’t have an answer for Curry. He dominated them in Memphis in the last match-up between the teams. He wasn’t shooting his best against New Orleans, but was able to manage a sweep. The Grizzlies are in store for a nightmare series against the best point guard in the league and his squad.