For a moment, it looked like the Warriors were in trouble when Memphis took Game 3 and took a 2-1 lead against the NBA's best team. The Grizzlies were winning the hidden battle of matchups, surviving Golden State's preferred small-ball lineup with Draymond Green at power forward on defense, while punishing it with the twin towers of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol on offense. It was enough to force drastic changes from the Warriors in Game 4. Unfortunately for Memphis, those changes work.
Warriors vs. Grizzlies 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
On the brink of elimination, Memphis has to find a way to hit back at the Warriors.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Now, Golden State is on the verge of advancing to the West Conference Finals. Steve Kerr started playing David Lee, who has the size, strength and post scoring to match Randolph at the four, and had Andrew Bogut "guard" Tony Allen. In reality, Bogut just hung out around the rim in the paint, knowing Allen couldn't punish Golden State with his jump shot over the long run.
Memphis now returns home to the Grindhouse in what could be their final game of the season. To push the Warriors to a Game 7, they’ll need to return home with adjustments of their own and probably some shotmaking, too. Golden State finally started cooking from behind the three-point line, hitting 14 triples in each of the last two games. The Grizzlies have to match that somehow.
This Memphis team could get to the Finals and beat whoever comes out of the weak East. They’re good enough for that. But time is running short and they have to start by striking back in Game 6.
Here’s how to watch:
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Online: WatchESPN
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