NBA Playoffs: Marc Gasol sinks last second shot against Spurs

Just when you thought The Grizzlies and Spurs series would be a runaway series, the grit and grind of the Grizzlies came to play. After falling in a 0-2 hole, the Grizzlies won game three at home and played a critical game four Saturday night. The Spurs gave the Grizzlies gave all they could handle, forcing the game into overtime. But it was Marc Gasol who won the game for the Grizzlies with a last second shot to beat the Spurs 110-108. The Grizzlies managed to even the series at two games apiece after many thought this series was all but over.

Stars Shining

The stars of the Grizzlies and Spurs shined bright in game four in Memphis. Spurs star forward Kawhi Leonard carried the Spurs late in the game. He scored the Spurs last 16 points including the bucket that would tie the game. Kawhi Leonard came up clutch with big steals in clutch time and timely buckets, specifically a layup with an and-one opportunity to tie the game at 88.

Kawhi finished the game with 43 points and didn't miss a shot from the free throw shot. He also showed his defensive greatness, getting six steals in the game. The Spurs needed everything Kawhi gave them, but it still wasn't enough as the Grizzlies had stars of the own that dominated the game. Tony Parker turned back the clock with an efficient 22 point performance.

Mike Conley of the Grizzlies had masterful game scoring the ball. He messed around and almost got a triple-double for the game. He had a stat line of 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Those 35 points set a Grizzlies postseason record, as Conley has had a surprisingly quiet regular and postseason.

Conley shot over 50 percent from the field and scored many buckets that kept the Grizzlies in the game.

He scored a late bucket that tied the game with little time left on the clock. Marc Gasol also shined with 16 points and 12 rebounds, including that game-winning shot with 0.7 seconds left on the shot clock. Zach Randolph also chipped in with 12 points and 11 boards.

Home Court Advantage

This series is the definition of Home Court Advantage.

The Spurs won both of their games at home, and the Grizzlies just wrapped up their two-game win streak at home. With the new playoff format, the last three games will be in a 1-1-1 format. The Spurs will play games five and seven at home.

The Grizzlies will play game six at home. The Spurs will need to win one on the road if they don't want this series going to seven games, as their team could use the rest. The Grizzlies must win one on the road if they want a chance a clinching this series. Mike Conley and crew will need to put on another marvelous performance in San Antonio in order to have a chance to clinch and game five is the perfect opportunity to do so.

The Grizzlies handled business at home, escaping with a win over the Spurs to even the series.

This is now a race to two wins, and the Spurs look like the favorite to get there first having two games at home out of the last three. The Grizzlies will need more of that grit and grind they played with at home on the road in game five. Game five will be on Tuesday; a time hasn't been determined yet.