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2016 NBA Playoffs: Each Team’s Week 1 MVP

By Gerald Bourguet

April 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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2016 NBA Playoffs
Apr 22, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) during the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Memphis Grizzlies: Zach Randolph

You’ve got to feel for the 34-year-old Zach Randolph, who is giving his all as the best player on a Memphis Grizzlies team missing its actual two best players. But even on a shorthanded Grizz team, Z-Bo is making sure the grit-and-grind this franchise has become known for is still going strong.

On the series, Randolph has the “best” averages of any Grizzlies player, averaging 12.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Unfortunately, he’s been bottled up by San Antonio’s league-best defense, shooting just 33.3 percent from the floor and getting to the foul line only four times.

Game 3 was probably Memphis’ best shot at stealing a game, and it’s no surprise that Z-Bo supplied 20 points and 11 boards to lead the way. This will probably be a four-game sweep, but credit to Randolph for doing what he can to keep this outmatched team competitive.

Next: Toronto Raptors