Grizzlies remain confident heading to Game Two

Pool/Getty Images/ZimbioBy all accounts, the Spurs thoroughly routed the Grizzlies in Game One of the Western Conference Finals.

The stage looked a bit too big for the first-time conference finalists from Memphis as the team ran into the buzzsaw that is Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs. In Game One, at least, experience won out. It was more than that though because that alone should not account for a 105-83 final score that seemed and was a lot worse for much of the game.

Sure, the Grizzlies brought the score to within six points in the third quarter. The Spurs though hit the gas and had the lead back out to 26 into the fourth quarter. That does not even get into Zach Randolph's no-show in this game, one that he felt the need to apologize for in the locker room after the game.

It is just one game though. That was the message the Grizzlies brought with them to the locker room after the game.

"They just came out and threw the first punch," Grizzlies guard Tony Allen told Project Spurs. "We just have to come out here and compete and match their intensity. We have a chance to come out here and win the series so all they did in the past is in the past."

This mentality certainly should help the Grizzlies put any of the failures of Game One behind them and focus in on trying to win home-court advantage with a win at the AT&T Center on Tuesday night. That is easier said than done however.

The Grizzlies are not likely to give up 52.6 percent shooting for a consecutive game or allow the Spurs to make 14 of 29 3-pointers. San Antonio played extremely well, but it should be expected that the team will fall back to its mean. That means the Grizzlies have to find a way to score and take advantage from that likely statistical result.

Falling behind 2-0 would not be the end of the world though if the Grizzlies maintain their confidence. They have not lost a game at home this postseason and they were down 2-0 to the Clippers before winning four straight to take the series. Memphis has beaten good teams this postseason after tough losses on the road or at home.

San Antonio might be a different animal for this Memphis squad. Tonight, the Grizzlies get their shot at some redemption and to see if they can hang around in this series.

About Philip Rossman-Reich

Philip Rossman-Reich is the managing editor for Crossover Chronicles and Orlando Magic Daily. You can follow him on twitter @OMagicDaily

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