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2017 NBA Playoffs Roundup, Day 11: Saying Goodbye To Westbrook, The Spurs’ Next Great Point Guard And ‘Ice-O Joe’ Arrives

By Gerald Bourguet

April 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) reacts after he scores a basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
April 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) reacts after he scores a basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NBA Playoffs
Apr 25, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley (11) watches from the bench against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

How Much Grit Would A Grizzy Grind If A Grizzly Could Grind Grit?

Not many people expected this series to last longer than five games. Everyone thought the aging, shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies would serve as first round fodder for the mighty Spurs, especially since Kawhi Leonard was 8-0 in the playoffs against this team for his career.

And yet, crazy as it might sound, this has been a winnable playoff series for the Grizz. Other than that Game 1 smackdown, they were in every single game, even after falling down 0-2 in the series.

Game 5 was no different, even as the Grizzlies trailed by as many as 18 points. They cut the lead down to five before finally succumbing to Kawhi, Patty Mills and Manu Ginobili.

So far though, the home team has won every game of this series. Memphis held on for both of its home contests in Game 3 and Game 4. Mike Conley has largely outplayed his counterparts on the other team, as has Marc Gasol in the frontcrout.

Is it crazy to think the Grizzlies still have a shot in this series? Probably, but you can expect a lot of grit-n-grind in Game 6 either way.