Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies Second Round Preview
Key Matchups
Dec 16, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) drives against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) at FedExForum. Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Tony Allen vs. Splash Brothers: Allen is one of the best overall defenders in the NBA, and he has a knack for being pesky and disruptive on defense. He will have the difficult task of guarding Thompson and occasionally Curry.
The Splash Brothers have had success against the Grizzlies this season. Thompson averaged 30.7 points against the Grizzlies, which was his highest average against any Western Conference team. He also made 18 threes against them too, which is also the most he made against any NBA team this season.
In addition, the Warriors were plus-66 in 102 minutes with Curry on the floor in their games against the Grizzlies, and they were minus-46 in 42 minutes with him on the bench. Curry has a significant impact on any game when he’s on the floor, but he has even more of a positive effect against the Grizzlies. Allen will certainly have his hands full with these two.
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Draymond Green vs. Zach Randolph: This will be the most exciting matchup of the series. It features two feisty power forwards and two trash talkers. Both players went to Michigan State, and they both like to play tough and get into an opponent’s head. These two players have similar mentalities on the court, so this will be an incredibly entertaining, fierce matchup.
Randolph is playing in his 14th NBA season, and Green is currently in his third NBA season. This is quite the contrast, but don’t expect Green to stand down. These two will certainly play even more physically with each other during this series than against any other opponent, and there will most likely be some heated exchanges and technical fouls given out at some point.
Andrew Bogut vs. Marc Gasol: Gasol is the total package for a center. He’s an incredible defender, he can post up, he can shoot from mid-range, and he’s a great passer. He is a handful to guard because of his versatility and wide array of skills.
Bogut doesn’t have the offensive game that he used to, but he is certainly one of the best defensive centers in the NBA. He’s a ferocious shot blocker, he alters the way opponents attack the basket and run their offense, he has great instincts and knows exactly where to be and when, and he’s the Warriors’ defensive leader. He will have to be fully healthy and on top of his game in order to contain Gasol.
Next: Keys for Each Team to Win the Series