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Memphis Grizzlies Could Lose More Than Second Seed

By jasaad

Dec 5, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) is guarded by Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game at FedExForum. San Antonio Spurs beat Memphis Grizzlies 107 - 101. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) is guarded by Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game at FedExForum. San Antonio Spurs beat Memphis Grizzlies 107 - 101. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the 2014-15 season winds down, the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets are battling for control over the second seed in the West. The outcomes of Monday night’s slate of games were favorable for the Grizzlies, who had fallen to the third spot the day prior.

After usurping Memphis in the playoff standings, the Rockets lost in a nail-biter against the Toronto Raptors. Houston had conceded a career-high 42 points to DeMar DeRozan, who sealed the victory with a jumper from the elbow over Harden (not a good look for the MVP candidate).

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Meanwhile, the Grizzlies took care of business at home against the struggling Sacramento Kings to reclaim second place, winning 97-83. Jeff Green looked more comfortable than he has been since joining Memphis, which is a potentially scary thought for the rest of the league.

He replaced the injured Tony Allen in the starting lineup and scored 16 points on an efficient 6-for-11 from the field, and he knocked down two 3-pointers. Green’s cumulative familiarity with the team should help the Grizzlies hold on to second place as they sorely need his athleticism and versatility in order to thrive.

Not only would the second-seeded team likely face the semi-dysfunctional Dallas Mavericks in the first round, but they would also have home-court advantage throughout the playoffs against every team except the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks.

It would behoove both the Grizzlies and Rockets to avoid the sixth-place San Antonio Spurs, who have been on a tear as of late. Whichever team loses this playoff race and finishes third would have to face the defending champions in the first round. A potential matchup against the Spurs spells doom for both of these teams, but more so for Memphis.

Memphis is a completely different team when they play at the Grindhouse versus when they play on the road. On their court, they turn into a proficient offensive team combined with stifling defense; they score 104.1 points per 100 possessions and hold opponents to 98.3 points (which would rank second in the league behind the Warriors).

But the Grizzlies are mediocre on both ends of the floor on the road, where they post a net rating of 0. Overall, they win 75 percent of their home games and just 60 percent of their road games, thus rendering the No. 2 seed a crucial goal for Memphis, should they desire to avoid the win-streaking Spurs.

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Ex-Grizzlies guard opens up on desired landing spots for 2023-24 season
Ex-Grizzlies guard opens up on desired landing spots for 2023-24 season /

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    • Not only does San Antonio pose major matchup problems for the Grizzlies, but they’re also purportedly targeting Gasol in free agency according to Sean Deveney of Sporting News. The Spurs may very well obliterate Memphis in the first round before snatching away their franchise’s cornerstone this summer — and why shouldn’t they?

    Gasol perfectly encapsulates the very essence of the Spurs’ ball-movement and selflessness. There seemingly isn’t a better replacement for the aging Tim Duncan than the Spaniard. He may already be 30 years old, but Gasol’s abiding ingenuity will enable him to play basketball effectively well into his mid-30s.

    His basketball intelligence, shooting ability, and facilitating capacity encapsulate skills that will surely last, if not enhance.

    In the Grizzlies desire to improve their chances of retaining Gasol and avoiding the dilemma mentioned above, it’s pivotal that they improve their play and secure the second seed and home court advantage throughout most of the playoffs.

    Facing the slumping Mavericks and avoiding the Spurs would raise Memphis’ probability of advancing to the semifinals — and convincing Gasol to re-sign with them. It’s time to up the ante, Memphis. Your future depends on it.

    Next: 4 Reasons Why Marc Gasol Should Leave Memphis

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