What a heartbreaker for Memphis. A team who controlled the first handedly, to the tune of 29-13 and looked to poised to continue an unblemished record at home throughout the playoffs. San Antonio just didn’t go away, and Memphis looked about as broken as any team in recent memory following the final buzzer.
Memphis started hot on the defensive end, holding San Antonio to a 21.1% shooting percentage on 4-19 FG and an uncharacteristic 8 turnovers, with Memphis leading by as many as 18 in the first quarter of play. But the rest of the game proved to be a different Spurs bunch, after Popovich benched the starting five, calling Game 3 “one of the worst starts I’ve ever seen.” But the rest of the way it was San Antonio getting to the cup one step faster than Memphis, shooting 58.7% the rest of the way with only 9 turnovers. Tony Parker who, like the Spurs, had a slow start, lead the charge with 26pts and 5asts on 11-22 shooting, continuing his playoff MVP tare. The Spurs pick n roll game was on point Saturday night, with Tiago Splitter and Tim Duncan reaping the benefits. Manu Ginobili had a great bounce back game with 19pts on 5-9 shooting, hitting a key 3-pointer down the stretch in the fourth quarter. Let’s give it up for Tim Duncan, though. Faced with an obvious psychological disadvantage throughout the game due to the recent news (yesterday) of his wife requesting a divorce after 12 years, Tim Duncan looked entirely unfazed and dominated the overtime period yet again, scoring the first 5pts of OT and making a blowout of an OT game.
Memphis just couldn’t punch back. Once the domination that was the first 20 minutes of the game settled, San Antonio’s relentless attack on both ends proved too much for a team whose backbone, the home court, was broken Saturday night. Mike Conley had another nice game with 20pts to go along with 5stls, although missing a tough look that could’ve ended it at the buzzer. Zach Randolph overcame another atrocious shooting effort with 14pts 15rebs on 5-14 shooting but is far from his OKC numbers that Memphis needs in order to have a chance during this series. Quincey Pondexter looked unconscious from the field for a while, finishing with 15pts, but missed a huge point blank layup that could’ve edged the game in Memphis’ favor. If you’re Memphis, how do you respond!? Dear lord, they were in dominant shape throughout much of the 1st half! Check the first half highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-rWqkDbuOI
Memphis. You’re down 3-0 against a team who has been the juggernaut of the Western Conference for the past 15 years. Chances look grim. Look for a big game from TayShaun Prince (who knows!) who is looking to earn the respect of a relentless city who will be seeing more of his lackluster numbers for the next three years if he isn’t traded at season’s end or cut altogether, and Randolph to hopefully break free from his shooting slump to give Memphis a win at home in Game 4.
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