The Memphis Grizzlies gave the San Antonio Spurs all they could handle on Tuesday night with a 15-2 run to end regulation and send the game into overtime as the Spurs notched the win, 93-89.
NBA Playoffs 2013, Grizzlies vs. Spurs Game 2: San Antonio not worried about near-collapse
The Grizzlies nearly pulled off a big upset in Game 2. Was it a wake-up call for the Spurs or a sign of things to come?
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But do the way things played out mean anything in terms of a shift in the series dynamic?
The Spurs did what they were supposed to do and held home court; they will now take a 2-0 series lead into Memphis and can afford a lapse.
Whether or not they have any wiggle room is the biggest question following a major scare. They were poised to cruise to a win in Game 2 and crush the Grizzlies’ spirits en route to a blowout win. But just when things looked bleakest, Memphis showed that victories won’t come easy on either surface
Is anyone in San Antonio panicking?
"They made a run, and we got ourselves in a pretty decent position" said Tim Duncan matter-of-factly after the game. "We played well for three quarters. I hate that we gave up that big of a lead in that situation, but we were resilient enough to go to overtime and not let it affect us."
Head coach Gregg Popovich was more candid in his response to the disappearing 18-point deficit.
“Sometimes your worst nightmare is a big lead,” he said. “It’s tough to keep leads often times. [Tuesday] we weren’t able to do it. They’re a heck of a basketball team, they’re not going to give in.”
The Spurs have first-hand experience that can attest to the fact that no series lead is safe. Last season, they lost a series to the Oklahoma City Thunder after taking a 2-0 lead. Similarly, Memphis came back from an 0-2 deficit that same postseason to overcome the Los Angeles Clippers.
There’s no room for anyone to get comfortable, but the Grizzlies have every reason to head into Game 3 with plenty of confidence.
"This is what we've looked like all year long if you've seen us play," said Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins. "I'm proud of my group and how we competed and how kept fighting. And we're in the same boat we were when we left L.A."
(All quotes via NBA live streaming)
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