It has been back to old ways for Steph Curry and Klay Thompson recently, and Sunday night was no different. The splash brothers lit up the Grizzlies' defense combining for 52 points, converting on 20-36 field goals and 12-23 from three-point range. With the injury of Kevin Durant, many critics were questioning whether the splash brother duo of Curry and Thompson would step up in Durant's' absence. After struggling in the games following Durant's injury, the dynamic duo has stepped up since and strung together elite performances to currently have the Warriors on a seven-game win streak.
Warriors' fans can breathe a sigh of relief after witnessing the recent performances of Curry and Thompson, as time and time again this duo has proved recently that they can perform without Durant.
The Grizzlies need to find their three-point shot
It was an abysmal night for the Memphis Grizzlies from three-point range, as they shot a woeful 8-29 (27.6%) from deep. Only four Grizzlies made a three-point shot on Sunday night. Mike Conley (4), Troy Daniels (2), Andrew Harrison (1) and Vince Carter (1). The Grizzlies are not known for their three-point shooting, as in recent seasons they have adopted a grit and grind approach. Using the superb driving ability of Mike Conley along with the elite post play from both Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, these Grizzlies have been able to make the playoffs but unable to make noise, always bundling out in the early rounds.
With the recent surge of high paced offense from the other elite teams around the league the Grizzlies will have to adjust and be able to convert on their three-point opportunities if they have any chance of causing an upset in the playoffs.
The Grizzlies are a good team but not elite
After going into the locker room down by two heading into the fourth quarter, there were many viewers that believed the Grizzlies would be able to upset these warriors and pull out the win.
However, that was not the case poor play from these Grizzlies saw them get outscore 23-13 in the fourth quarter. These Grizzlies are a good team and as long as they have their core trio of Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol, they will be a team that no one wants to play in the grueling regular season schedule. Due to their grit and grind nature which wears teams down and will cause teams to struggle.
This is how the Grizzlies have managed to achieve its wins against elite teams this season. However when the playoffs come around and teams have one day or more rest. This is where the Grizzlies struggle. Due to the Grizzlies not being a good three point shooting team (as shown by Sunday night) and not being a fast paced offense (like the Cavaliers, Rockets, and Warriors). These Grizzlies always struggle come playoff time and suffer an early round exit, and this will continue to happen to the Grizzlies in the playoffs as long as they don't adapt to modern NBA offenses and adjust accordingly.
