After setting a new franchise mark for regular season victories and matching the 1985-86 Boston Celtics' 40-1 home record, the San Antonio Spurs are primed for the playoffs. Gregg Popovich’s charges enter the post-season well-rested and looking to avenge last year’s disappointing first-round knockout at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Awaiting San Antonio at the start of this season’s tournament are the rugged Memphis Grizzlies, who have fielded a record 28 players to reach the second season. The Grizzlies remain burdened by injuries, with starters Marc Gasol and Mike Conley limited to the sidelines. Veterans Vince Carter and Zach Randolph have been key in their absence, and both Lance Stephenson and yes, Matt Barnes have contributed.
The Spurs tip off the series at the AT&T Center facing questions of their own: Can Danny Green escape the funk that has clouded his season? Will he and Patty Mills rediscover their shooting stoke in time to make a run at the Warriors? Is post-season LaMarcus Aldridge a reiteration of David Robinson or Tim Duncan? San Antonio loves the playoffs because we all get to find out together.
Pop's Spurs swept their four games against the Grizzlies during the regular season, but a wounded bear is supposedly more dangerous. Although the Grizzlies have shocked the Spurs in the first-round before, this should be a short albeit memorable series. Expect Kawhi Leonard to continue his NBA ascent as the Spurs settle into their playoff flow.
Spurs vs. Grizzlies
Game 1, Sunday, April 17, 7 PM, FSSW
Game 2, Tuesday, April 19, 8:30 PM, FSSW
Game 3, Friday, April 22, 8:30 PM, FSSW
Game 4, Sunday, April 24, 12:00 PM, ABC
Game 5*, Tuesday, April 26, TBD, FSSW
Game 6*, Thursday, April 28, TBD, FSSW
Game 7*, Saturday, April 30, TBD, FSSW
*If necessary
Spurs Begin the Race for Seis
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