Parting Thoughts: Grizz Players Reflect on Game, Thank Fans (VIDEO)

Source: 3 Shades of Blue by Lee Eric Smith

I don’t know which was worse the Game 1 letdown or the Game 7 fiasco. Both games left me dazed — didn’t really want to do much in the way of posting on the blog, let alone editing video. That’s why this post is coming today and not yesterday. Better late than never, I suppose.

Mood in the locker room was, as you might imagine, somber. Gilbert Arenas seems to teleport out of the place — he doesn’t stick around at all. But you can tell the guys were hurting. Marc seemed on the edge of tears while giving his interview. Mike Conley mentioned that he had a fever that morning before the game. Don’t think for a second that these guys didn’t want to win the game, that it didn’t matter. The game was a stinker for sure. But if anyone asks me if I think they left it on the floor all season, I’d have to say a resounding yes.

More good stuff coming here at 3SOB.com as the Grizz prepare for the draft. In the meantime . . . closing thoughts from some of your favorite Grizzlies players:

Where Do We Go Now?

Source: 3 Shades of Blue by Jhugar

It took me a few hours to stop reeling from yesterday’s loss. There were many aggravating factors that made it especially grueling. There was the fact that it was on the Grizzlies home court, the fact that they had come back from 3-1 only to fall in the deciding game, the fact that they may have replaced Lebron James as the NBA’s biggest fourth quarter joke, and of course the fact that by winning a physical, low-scoring game, the Clippers essentially beat the Grizzlies at their own game. All of that was hard to deal with, but the hardest thing was dealing with the question of where the Grizzlies go from here.

Awhile back, I mentioned my fear that the Grizzlies could become the West’s version of the Atlanta Hawks – a team that’s always good enough to reach the postseason, but never good enough to do anything. If they keep the roster they have now, that’s probably what will happen. What we learned from the Clippers series is that the lack of a true star really hurts this team. They have plenty of quality players, but no one you can say with absolute certainty that you want taking the last shot. Rudy Gay tried to assume that role, but while he put up solid stats, he never seemed like someone you can count on to hit big shots. In fact, I can’t even count all the jumpers he missed during the series. Every time he took one, I cringed because I knew that unless Marc or Z-Bo could grab the board, it would be yet another failed one shot possession.

So, if the Grizzlies want to assert themselves as a legit contender, they’re going to have to make some moves, but where to make them? There’s already been talk of O.J. leaving, and it’ll certainly be hard to keep him and Marreese Speights. If I had to choose between them, I’d probably take Speights. He got better as the season progressed, and he kept things afloat when Z-Bo went down. Additionally, the team seemed to actually play better with him in the starting lineup, and when he actually got minutes in the Clippers series, he produced (albeit not without some foul trouble). O.J. Mayo could thrive on another team and become an all-star, or he could morph into one of Bill Simmons’ irrational confidence guys – players who always think they’re the best guy on the floor, and can heat up at any moment. He has the potential to be either of those things, but given the choice between that, and a legitimate big man who seems to help team chemistry, I’d go with the ladder every time.

But then, there’s the big problem: what to do with Zach Randolph. I’ve read many Z-Bo trade proposals in the comments sections, and it’s certainly a topic I’ve spent my share of time pondering. The case against trading Z-Bo is that he could easily return to his 2010-11 level next season, and if the Grizzlies trade him now, they probably don’t get fair market value for him, since no one is sure what they would get from him. Imagine Z-Bo turning around another franchise, while the mediocre players we get for him do nothing. It’s a frightening thought.

The case for trading Z-Bo is that he could decline further, and if he struggles next season, the Grizzlies probably wouldn’t be able to get anything for him. There’s the fear that he could become another albatross contract like Rashard Lewis. The thing is, I don’t really see that happening. Even with Z-Bo not all the way back, he still made some legitimate contributions in the Clippers series, tipping in countless offensive boards. It’s tempting to say “let’s get rid of the guy while we still can,” but when I think of all he’s done for this franchise, I just can’t sign off on that. Not when he can be a beast if he’s at 100%, and when he probably has a few really good years left.

So, what to do? I might suggest trading Rudy Gay, but his contract might be too brutal for others teams to take on. If the Grizzlies are willing to accept less than his value, I could see them doing it. Yeah, I don’t think they’ll get fair market value for Gay or Z-Bo, but if I had to keep one, I’d keep Z-Bo, because when both players are 100 percent, he gives the team more. What I would suggest is this: keep Speights, keep Z-Bo, and keep what is one of the league’s stronger front courts. Z-Bo and Gasol can both do more damage then they did in the Clippers series, and everyone knows it. Conley has to stay because he’s the only legit point guard the team has, and he’s often the glue that holds them together. I love Tony Allen, but you could probably talk me into sacrificing his killer D for someone who provides more offense. Do we trade Allen so we can keep Mayo? Or do we bring in another shooting guard who can drain three pointers. There seems to be more questions than answers.

This will be an interesting offseason, as the Grizzlies front office tries to take the next step into giving this team a shot at a title. There’s several paths they can take, and they all involve a considerable amount of uncertainty. Whatever the Grizzlies do, however, it will certainly lead to some spirited debates in the 3SOB realms.

NBA appoints new Competition Committee (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK (AP) Coaches Doc Rivers of Boston, Rick Carlisle of Dallas and Lionel Hollins of Memphis have been named to the NBA's Competition Committee.

Coaches, owners have new voice in suggesting changes (AFP)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Rick Carlisle, coach of the reigning champion Dallas Mavericks, and Dan Gilbert, the club owner spurned by LeBron James, are among 10 people named on Wednesday to the NBA's new competition committee.

Clippers-Spurs Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO (AP) Hours before turning 30 years old, Tony Parker grinned Wednesday as though his lowest-scoring playoff game since his early twenties was an early birthday gift from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Parker vs. Paul no All-Star showdown so far (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO (AP) Hours before turning 30 years old, Tony Parker grinned Wednesday as though his lowest-scoring playoff game since his early twenties was an early birthday gift from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Grizzlies portraits

Source: NBA.com

Grizzlies portraits

Report: Bobcats to interview Ewing (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing will interview Thursday for the Charlotte Bobcats' coaching vacancy, according to an ESPN.com report.

Grizzlies assistant Joerger interviewing for Charlotte head coaching job

Source: Commercial Appeal

Joerger has developed a reputation as a defensive-minded coach.

Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins named to NBA’s competition committee

Source: Commercial Appeal

Committee recommends changes to playing rules or any other competition-related matters to the Board of Governors.

Final Thoughts on Game 7

Source: Memphis Flyer by Chris Herrington

After posting my Game 7 story early Sunday evening, I had to put it all away absent a reluctant trip to Monday's final media session until we wrapped on this week's paper yesterday afternoon.

But, with that out of the way, I sat down Tuesday afternoon, before my weekly appearance on The Chris Vernon Show, and went through the last 15 minutes of the game again.…

[ Read more ]

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Duncan dominates as Spurs win game one (AFP)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Tim Duncan finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds as San Antonio cruised past the Los Angeles Clippers 108-92 in game one of the Western Conference semi-finals on Tuesday, extending the Spurs' win streak to 15 games.

Rested Spurs win Game 1 over weary Clippers 108-92 (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO (AP) Tim Duncan had 26 points and 10 rebounds and the San Antonio Spurs, recharged after a weeklong layoff, wore down the busy Los Angeles Clippers to win Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals series, 108-92 on Tuesday night.

NBA Playoffs: What Each First-Round Casualty Can Improve for Next Season

Source: Bleacher Report

The first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs is in the books, with the conference finals having just kicked off.

Round 1 had it all: blowouts, buzzer-beaters, sweeps and intense seven-game series.

The eight teams getting all the attention right now fought through the opening round. They're ones still pushing towards a Larry O'Brien Trophy in June.

However, I will examine the eight other teams—the ones that suffered either disappointing or devastating first-round losses. I will look at what happened, explaining why they couldn't finish off their opponents and suggest potential changes each team can make for next season.

These can include moves in free agency, trades or on-court adjustments.

Enjoy!

Begin Slideshow

2012 MVP Party

Source: NBA.com

2012 MVP Party

‘Deep Thoughts’ and Cheap Thoughts: San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

For every postseason matchup, Ball Don't Lie's resident dummy will offer a topically appropriate entry from the best-selling series of "Deep Thoughts" books written by legendary humorist Jack Handey, plus some of his own original thoughts on the playoff series. … Continue reading →

2012 NBA Playoffs: San Antonio Spurs Vs. Los Angeles Clippers Western Conference Semifinals Matchup Fan's View (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers have spent the last week very differently. After easily sweeping the Utah Jazz in four straight games, the Spurs got some rest while they rejuvenated their minds and bodies and waited to find out who they would play in the second round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs. San Antonio now knows that its Western Conference semifinals opponent will be the Los Angeles Clippers.

Quiet Spurs Too Challenging for Clippers: A Fan’s Perspective (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

For most of the year, the San Antonio Spurs have flown gloriously under the radar, despite a phenomenal record and a first place finish in the difficult Western Conference.

Kyrie Irving wins the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving has won the Rookie of the Year award. News of his honor broke on Monday, and on Tuesday he was handed the hardware in a press conference so early in the day that admitted coffee … Continue reading →

NBA Free Agents 2012: How 4 Memphis Grizzlies Affected Stock in Playoffs

Source: Bleacher Report

The Memphis Grizzlies received big performances from some players, but those were largely from players who they had locked up. Marc Gasol rallied hard in the last three games. Zach Randolph built himself up through the first six games. Mike Conley did a fine job.

While those three core players did quite well, the guys with expiring contracts generally weren’t so hot. O.J. Mayo shot poorly. Marreese Speights didn’t do much in his limited time on the floor, nor did Gilbert Arenas. Hamed Haddadi was the exception, stacking up rebounds as quickly as he possibly could.

Two free agents-to-be didn’t see action during the series. Darrell Arthur was out, as he has been the entire season, with an Achilles injury. Les Hudson was simply not installed in game action during the series.

All six will be waiting anxiously during the offseason to see if they can get a good contract. Following is a breakdown of how each of the four free agents from the Grizzlies who played in the series affected his free-agent stock in the playoffs.

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Questions remain after Grizzlies' season ends

Source: Commercial Appeal

Different year. Same alarm. The Grizzlies bowed out of the postseason in another Game 7 -- this time in the first round -- and for the second time in as many seasons they talked about needing more outside shooting and a more capable backup point guard to improve the roster.

Defeat did not sour Grizzlies' owner Michael Heisley

Source: Commercial Appeal

Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley braced himself for a wrecked season because of serious injuries at the start and having to recover on the fly. Now that the Grizzlies' 2011-12 campaign is officially done, Heisley called what they achieved "miraculous."

Parting Thoughts: Grizz Players Reflect on Game, Thank Fans (VIDEO)

Source: 3 Shades of Blue by Lee Eric Smith

I don’t know which was worse the Game 1 letdown or the Game 7 fiasco. Both games left me dazed — didn’t really want to do much in the way of posting on the blog, let alone editing video. That’s why this post is coming today and not yesterday. Better late than never, I suppose.

Mood in the locker room was, as you might imagine, somber. Gilbert Arenas seems to teleport out of the place — he doesn’t stick around at all. But you can tell the guys were hurting. Marc seemed on the edge of tears while giving his interview. Mike Conley mentioned that he had a fever that morning before the game. Don’t think for a second that these guys didn’t want to win the game, that it didn’t matter. The game was a stinker for sure. But if anyone asks me if I think they left it on the floor all season, I’d have to say a resounding yes.

More good stuff coming here at 3SOB.com as the Grizz prepare for the draft. In the meantime . . . closing thoughts from some of your favorite Grizzlies players:

Clippers Can Beat the Spurs: Fan Reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers can beat the Spurs. I don't necessarily expect the Clips to beat San Antonio, but the capacity is certainly there. The San Antonio Spurs are going to be the favorites, and few people will be shocked if they beat the Clippers. However, Los Angeles is arguably a dangerous team that has a ton of weapons. If they are going to take down Tim Duncan and company, a number of things will need to go their way.

My Second Round Predictions for the 2012 NBA Western Conference Playoffs: A Fan's Take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The first round of the Western Conference playoffs are finally over and the second round begins tonight. I correctly predicted all of the winners in the opening round and I'm hoping to continue this trend with my picks in the Conference Semifinals. While the Spurs-Clippers series will be a one-sdied affair, the Thunder-Lakers series has the potential of a seven-game thriller. With that being said, here is my opinion on which teams will continue their march towards the title.

5 Offseason Moves the Memphis Grizzlies Must Make to Retool Roster

Source: Bleacher Report

Fresh off of a depressing Game 7 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers, the talented Memphis Grizzlies now have to turn their attention to the offseason and decide how to improve the team for the upcoming seasons.

With most of their core intact for the future, there will be some very tough decisions that general manager Chris Wallace may have to make for the future of the franchise.

With that being said, Wallace may have to free up some money as they already have $57.5 million tied into five players for next season, which include: Rudy Gay ($16.5 million), Zach Randolph ($16.5 million), Marc Gasol ($13.9 million), Mike Conley ($7.3 million) and Tony Allen ($3.3 million).

It will be very tough to improve the team on the free agent market and drafting No. 25 in the upcoming draft may not help much either, but there are creative ways to improve the team.

Here's five moves the Grizzlies need to make to be able to contend in the future.

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Despite Game 7 defeat, Grizzlies confident of their future

Source: Commercial Appeal

Griz adamant that loss to Clippers didn’t define their season or their potential going forward.

The Memphis Grizzlies? Gone till November (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

If it sounds like excuse-making, it's because we're actually making excuses. The Memphis Grizzlies' were hit by two body blows early in the season when it lost Darrell Arthur for the season, and Zach Randolph for the bulk of the … Continue reading →

The Clippers celebrate with a giant Chris Paul head, dressed like a baby, following their Game 7 win (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Throughout the team's opening round series with the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Clippers were introduced to the sporting nation via national airwaves as a team that likes to, ahem, enhance the foul-taking experience. The team gets hit a lot, … Continue reading →

Where Do We Go Now?

Source: 3 Shades of Blue by Jhugar

It took me a few hours to stop reeling from yesterday’s loss. there were many of aggravating factors that made it especially grueling. There was the fact that it was on the Grizzlies home court, the fact that they had come back from 3-1 only to fall in the deciding game, the fact that they may have replaced Lebron James as the NBA’s biggest fourth quarter joke, and of course the fact that by winning a physical, low-scoring game, the Clippers essentially beat the Grizzlies at their own game. All of that was hard to deal with, but the hardest thing was dealing with the question of where the Grizzlies go from here.

Awhile back, I mentioned my fear that the Grizzlies could become the West’s version of the Atlanta Hawks – a team that’s always good enough to reach the postseason, but never good enough to do anything. If they keep the roster they have now, that’s probably what will happen. What we learned from the Clippers series is that the lack of a true star really hurts this team. They have plenty of quality players, but no one you can say with absolute certainty that you want taking the last shot. Rudy Gay tried to assume that role, but while he put up solid stats, he never seemed like someone you can count on to hit big shots. In fact, I can’t even count all the jumpers he missed during the series. Every time he took one, I cringed because I knew that unless Marc or Z-Bo could grab the board, it would be yet another failed one shot possession.

So, if the Grizzlies want to assert themselves as a legit contender, they’re going to have to make some moves, but where to make them? There’s already been talk of O.J. leaving, and it’ll certainly be hard to keep him and Marreese Speights. If I had to choose between them, I’d probably take Speights. He got better as the season progressed, and he kept things afloat when Z-Bo went down. Additionally, the team seemed to actually play better with him in the starting lineup, and when he actually got minutes in the Clippers series he produced (albeit not without some foul trouble). O.J. Mayo could thrive on another team and become an all-star, or he could morph into one of Bill Simmons’ irrational confidence guys – players who always think they’re the best guy on the floor, and can heat up at any moment. He has the potential to be either of those things, but given the choice between that, and legitimate big man who seems to help team chemistry, ‘d go with the ladder every time.

But then, there’s the big problem: what to do with Zach Randolph. I’ve read many Z-Bo trade proposals in the comments sections, and its certainly a topic I’ve spent my share of time pondering. The case against trading Z-Bo is that he could easily return to his 2010-11 level next season, and if the Grizzlies trade him now, they probably don’t get fair market value for him, since no one is sure what they would get from him. Imagine Z-Bo turning around another franchise while the mediocre players we get for him do nothing. It’s a frightening thought.

The case for trading Z-Bo is that he could decline further, and if he struggles next season, the Grizzlies probably wouldn’t be able to get anything for him. There’s the fear that he could become another albatross contract like Rashard Lewis. The thing is, I don’t really see that happening. Even with Z-Bo not all the way back, he still made some legitimate contributions in the Clippers series, tipping in countless offensive boards. It’s tempting to say “let’s get rid of the guy while we still can”, but when I think of all he’s done for this franchise, I just can’t sign off on that. Not when he can be a beast if he’s at 100%, and when he probably has a few really good years left.

So, what to do? I might suggest trading Rudy Gay, but his contract might be too brutal for others teams to take on. If the Grizzlies are willing to accept less than his value, I could see them doing it. Yeah, I don’t think they’ll get fair market value for Gay or Z-Bo, but if I had to keep one, I’d keep Z-Bo, because when both players are 100 percent, he gives the team more. What I would suggest is this: keep Speights, keep Z-Bo, and keep what is one of the league’s stronger front courts. Z-Bo and Gasol can both do more damage then they did in the Clippers series, and everyone knows it. Conley has to stay because he’s the only legit point guard the team has, and he’s often the glue that holds them together. I love Tony Allen, but you could probably talk me into sacrificing his killer D for someone who provides more offense. Do we trade Allen so we can keep Mayo? Or do we bring in another shooting guard who can drain three pointers. There seems to be more questions than answers.

This will be an interesting offseason, as the Grizzlies front office tries to take the next step into giving this team a shot at a title. there’s several paths they can take, and they all involve a considerable amount of uncertainty. Whatever the Grizzlies do, however, it will certainly lead to some spirited debates in the 3SOB realms.

Grizzlies disappointed after early playoff exit (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) The Memphis Grizzlies have learned a very hard lesson about the postseason. Putting together a magical run deep into the playoffs isn't as easy as they made it look a year ago.

NBA Playoffs Schedule (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs is now behind us, after the Los Angeles Clippers closed out their series with the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.

Clippers advance, knock out Grizzlies 82-72 (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Chris Paul played with an aching right hip and Blake Griffin's sprained left knee stiffened up during the game. If the Clippers were truly a two-man team, then they would have been in trouble facing elimination by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Los Angeles Clippers Vs. San Antonio Spurs Playoff Schedule (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The NBA has released the Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs playoff schedule. San Antonio is the top seeded team remaining in the 2012 NBA Playoffs, so the Spurs will retain home court advantage until they get eliminated. Games 1 and 2 will take place in San Antonio before the teams travel to Staples Center for Games 3 and 4.

NBA Playoffs 2012: 4 Tactical Errors by Lionel Hollins That Did the Grizzlies In

Source: Bleacher Report

The Memphis Grizzlies fell short in their quest to rally from a 3-1 series hole to beat the Los Angeles Clippers in their first-round series. Now that the series is over, Grizzlies fans must wonder why their team didn't make it farther in the playoffs. One popular target is Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins.

Geoff Calkins of The Commercial Appeal addressed those on Twitter calling for the firing of Hollins by tweeting:

 

 

Lionel Hollins is responsible for changing the culture of the Griz. The "fire Lionel" tweets are crazy talk. But he's had a very bad day.

— Geoff Calkins (@geoff_calkins) May 13, 2012

 

 

As Calkins said, to call for Hollins' head would be going too far, but he did make mistakes in this series.

Following is a short list of where the third-year head coach went wrong.

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Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro gains credibility with Game 7 win over Grizzlies (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Clippers' first-round victory over the Grizzlies shows Vinny Del Negro could have some staying power in L.A.

Analysis: L.A.'s reserves bring on power surge

Source: Commercial Appeal

The Clippers' bench destroyed the Griz reserves by an astounding 41-11, including scoring 25 of the Clips' 27 fourth-quarter points.

Clippers pleased at quieting Grizzlies' FedExForum crowd

Source: Commercial Appeal

"It's the best feeling," Clippers guard Chris Paul said. "You've got somebody screaming at you all game long, then you see them walk out pouting."

Geoff Calkins: Grizzlies had their chances, but Game 7 was anything but lucky for Memphis

Source: Commercial Appeal

"We missed an opportunity," said Zach Randolph, which pretty much sums up the entire series, doesn't it?

Clippers Advance with 82-72 Win Over Grizzlies (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

You were reminded very clearly while viewing the seventh and deciding game in a terrific series between the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies of some of Pat Riley's New York Knicks playoff performances.

Rested Spurs relieved to finally know next foe (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO (AP) Six days later, the San Antonio Spurs finally know who they're playing next.

2012 NBA Playoffs TV Schedule for Monday, May 14 (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The 2012 NBA Playoffs schedule for Monday, May 14 will feature two games. On May 13, the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat each moved one step towards the next round with wins over their respective opponents. Which of these four teams playing on Monday will win the next game of their respective series?

NBA Playoffs 2012: 5 Reasons Why Memphis Grizzlies Lost Series to Clippers

Source: Bleacher Report

The Memphis Grizzlies' season came to a sudden end on Sunday as the Grizzlies ran out of steam in their Game 7 loss, falling to the Los Angeles Clippers, 82-72. Rudy Gay and the Grizzlies looked terrific as they rallied from a 3-1 deficit, but the Clippers looked in Game 7 like they stole the grit and grind that had characterized the Grizzlies.

While Marc Gasol put forth a valiant effort on both ends to help rally the home team, the Clippers took advantage of major mistakes by the Grizzlies. Los Angeles realized it could turn Memphis' high-energy play into sloppy play. O.J. Mayo didn't do anything for his free-agent stock after Game 3 by shooting horribly through most of the remaining games.

Following is a list of the key things that tore the Grizzlies from the comeback series win for which they had hoped.

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Memphis Grizzlies Will Be Kicking Themselves All Summer After Dropping Series

Source: Bleacher Report

Well, there goes my dark-horse pick (and several others' at that) to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals.

After coming back from a 3-1 deficit to tie the series and force a game seven at home, the Memphis Grizzlies ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Clippers, dropping the series-deciding contest 82-72 on Sunday afternoon.

Coming into today's game, the home team had won 80 percent of game sevens over the course of NBA history. The Grizzlies are now in that minority of teams that were not able to emerge victorious on their home floor.

At first glance, that comes as a surprise, given the ample amount of talent on this Memphis team, but then again, this is the same squad that squandered a 27-point lead to lose Game 1 of this series. It also nearly blew a 24-point lead in Game 5.

So, what happened to the Grizzlies?

First and foremost, let me start by giving credit where credit is due. The Clippers got the job done; plain and simple. I truly believe that if you beat your opponent four out of seven times, you are the better team, unless there are injuries inhibiting your competition.

And actually, there were injuries, but not on Memphis. Los Angeles was the team dealing with banged up players, it's two best players, as a matter of fact.

Blake Griffin was playing with a balky knee, so balky that he had to sit out the majority of the fourth quarter. Chris Paul was on the floor with a groin injury that has been bothering him for the better part of the series. It clearly limited his effectiveness in Game 6, but in Game 7, he gutted it out and recorded 19 points and nine rebounds. It wasn't Paul's best performance, but it was enough.

The Grizzlies? They just could not put the ball in the basket, shooting a paltry 32.5% from the field. They misfired on all 13 of their three-point attempts and also missed nine free throws.

That is obviously not a recipe for success.

You want to know how poor Memphis' offense was in this Game 7? It only scored 13 points in the first quarter. It's not like the Clippers did much better, scoring 16, but it was still three points better than the anemic Grizzlies.

I'm sorry, but this Memphis team is far too talented to lay this kind of egg in a Game 7. It is also far too talented to blow a 27-point lead. Again, you have to give credit to L.A. for being able to rally back from that big of a deficit, but it takes much more than just the other team playing well to give up an advantage of nearly 30 points.

It takes a complete choke job on the part of the team with the lead, and that is what happened to the Grizzlies in Game 1.

Had Lionel Hollins' group been able to hold off the Clips' furious rally back on Apr. 30, it would not have even had to play a Game 7 on Sunday. Instead, it would have been preparing on how to upset the San Antonio Spurs for the second consecutive year. Alas, that didn't happen, and now Memphis is going to spend all summer wondering what could have been.

It's funny how much things can change in a year.

After becoming a legend in Memphis overnight in 2011, Zach Randolph was anything but a prime-time performer in the 2012 postseason, shooting 3-of-12 from the floor and recording only nine points in Game 7. Last year, Randolph would have put this team on his back and carried them to the next round of the playoffs, but this isn't last year.

And perhaps the Grizzlies could have overcome Randolph's spotty shooting if Mike Conley didn't also have an off-afternoon, shooting just 2-of-13. Or if O.J. Mayo didn't go 1-for-11.

It's not all bad for Memphis, though.

This is still a very young team and has plenty of time to win a championship. However, given how well it matches up with San Antonio and some of the other top teams in the league, it blew a golden opportunity this season, and opportunities such as this do not come by very often.

Maybe next time, the Grizzlies will decide to show up for Game 7. Or not blow a 27-point lead so they don't have a Game 7.

Read more Memphis Grizzlies news on BleacherReport.com

Behind the Box Score, where the Clippers survived the first round (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Los Angeles Clippers 82, Memphis Grizzles 72 (Los Angeles wins series, 4-3) Fatigue was obvious from the outset in this game. Fans are correct to eagerly look forward to Game 7s, because the possibility of a winner take all 48-minute … Continue reading →

Game 7: Clippers 82, Grizzlies 72 – Where It All Ends

Source: Memphis Flyer by Chris Herrington

A good season came to a bad end for the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum today. In the first homecourt Game 7 in franchise history, the Grizzlies took a precarious one-point lead into the final quarter but were out-worked and out-executed by the Los Angeles Clippers, as has been the case for so much of this series.…

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Second unit leads Clippers into second round of playoffs (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

MEMPHIS -- After losing Game 6 of the Western Conference first-round series on their home court, the Los Angeles Clippers didn't seem bothered by going on the road for Game 7 on Sunday.