Memphis Grizzlies: Two keys to winning Game 3 in Minnesota
Every playoff game in the NBA is critical, but the weight of tonight’s Game 3 matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves cannot be understated. Memphis hits the road for tonight’s pivotal Game 3, but as long as they are able to capitalize in two specific areas the series should swing back in the […]
Every playoff game in the NBA is critical, but the weight of tonight’s Game 3 matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves cannot be understated. Memphis hits the road for tonight’s pivotal Game 3, but as long as they are able to capitalize in two specific areas the series should swing back in the Grizzlies’ favor — rebounding and making free throws.
With the series deadlocked at 1-1, the winner of tonight’s game reclaims control in this best-of-seven series. Of course, taking a lead is a momentous event in any series, but history sides with the winner of Game 3. Since 1984, the winner of Game 3 in a best-of-seven series locked up at 1-1 has a series record of 220-65 (77.2%).
Game 1 is typically your "feel out" game in the playoffs. Both teams spend 48 minutes getting a sense of what the other team’s strengths and weaknesses are when it comes to certain matchups.
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins wasted no time after the loss in Game 1 in making a substantial shift in his rotation. Jenkins went away from Steven Adams, the team’s leading rebounder, in favor of Xavier Tillman and Brandon Clarke. Adams was held scoreless in 24 minutes in Game 1 and brought down just three rebounds. Jenkins started the big man in Game 2, but he logged just two minutes in total.
It was a move that clearly worked out for the team, but one that also takes some intestinal fortitude from a head coach in just his third season on the job.
Crash The Boards
One would think replacing Adams’ 10 boards a game would be a difficult task. And it certainly would be for most teams. However, this is a Grizzlies team that led the NBA in rebounding in the regular season.
Game 2 was the perfect microcosm for how Memphis can assert themselves on the glass without Adams on the floor. Sure, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Tillman chipped in seven rebounds apiece, but what makes the Grizzlies such a challenge on the glass is that everybody is willing to crash the boards.
At 6’3”, Ja Morant led the team with nine rebounds with guards Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones chipping in four each. Kyle Anderson reeled in five misses in 18 minutes. Rebounding is an effort-based statistic and that is a category Jenkins never has to worry about with his team.
Hit The Freebies
No team in the NBA allowed their opponents to shoot more free throws on average than the Timberwolves. Allowing opponents to shoot 25.4 free throws per game in the regular season was a serious problem for the Wolves and it’s carried over to the playoffs.
Through two games, the Grizzlies have already attempted 77 free throws. The issue for Memphis is that they are shooting 74% from the line as a team. Knocking down the freebies has been an issue for Memphis all season. The Grizzlies ranked 28th in the NBA, converting from the stripe at just a 73.4% clip.
The Wolves are undoubtedly a tough test for the Grizzlies, but if this team plans on going deep in the playoffs, they’ll likely have to square off with the Golden State Warriors next round. That’s a series where Memphis won’t be able to afford leaving points at the foul line. They don't have to make them all, but knocking down the big ones will go a long way.
Featured image via Christine Tannous – USA TODAY Sports
