Why the Grizzlies' Game 3 comeback will carry them through the playoffs
For 48 minutes, nothing made sense in last night’s Game 3 win for the Memphis Grizzlies. On the road in Minnesota, the Grizzlies overcame not one, but two 20-point deficits, including a 26-point hole. With the win, Memphis takes a 2-1 lead in the series, but winning a game in that fashion is something that […]
For 48 minutes, nothing made sense in last night’s Game 3 win for the Memphis Grizzlies. On the road in Minnesota, the Grizzlies overcame not one, but two 20-point deficits, including a 26-point hole. With the win, Memphis takes a 2-1 lead in the series, but winning a game in that fashion is something that will help the Grizzlies, not only in this series but for the rest of the playoffs.
Since 1984, NBA teams with a 2-1 lead in a best-of-seven series have gone on to win the series 77% of the time (220-65), per Basketball Reference. It felt like the Grizzlies won more than just Game 3 against the Timberwolves. They won in all of the physical and mental aspects of the game as well.
The Grizzlies absorbed countless body blows from the Timberwolves through nearly three quarters of Game 3. However, the Wolves were stunned when the Grizzlies delivered a haymaker in the form of a 50-16 run to close the game.
It’s a confidence-shattering loss that has the ability to affect the Wolves for the remainder of the series. If a 26-point lead at home is not safe, then what is? And with Game 4 on Saturday night, there isn’t much time to dissect what led to one of the biggest choke jobs in NBA Playoffs history.
For the Grizzlies, a win like this can serve as a reference point. Anytime Memphis finds itself in a double-digit hole, they can look back to this particular game. Not only will it help in this series, but if the Grizzlies can advance, they’ll need all the self-belief they can get as a date with the Golden State Warriors likely looms ahead.
Game 3 serves as the largest come-from-behind win in franchise playoff history. Desmond Bane led the way with 26 points including seven threes. Ja Morant had possibly the quietest triple-double in basketball history, if there is such a thing. Morant finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists marking the first triple-double in Grizzlies playoff history.
The basketball gods are tough, but fair deities.
The Grizzlies have been on the opposite side of a comeback of this nature before. It was in 2012 when Memphis blew a 27-point lead at home to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. So, Grizzlies fans can relate to how the Wolves’ fanbase feels at the moment.
The Grizzlies have the opportunity to step on Minnesota’s throat in Game 4. Memphis has played with a killer instinct all season long and is now provided with the opportunity to distance themselves from a Wolves team that is already on the ropes.
With a win on Saturday, the series heads back to Memphis for Game 5 in the Grindhouse. Grizz fans would love nothing more than to witness the team’s first playoff series victory since the 2014-15 season.
Featured image via Brad Rempel – USA TODAY Sports
