The NBA Western Conference Finals sees action today as the San Antonio Spurs host the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 2 of their series. The Spurs have a 1-0 lead and the Grizzlies will try to catchup, but if they don't they won't panic. Here's the schedule for Wednesday's action.
The Grizzlies and Spurs tip off time is 9 p.m. ET. Game 2 will be played at the AT&T Center where the Spurs have only lost one game this entire postseason. Here are the key matchups in this meeting.
Duncan vs. Randolph
Tim Duncan and Zach Randolph are driving forces for both teams. The Grizzlies have survived without Randolph scoring double-digits, but the Spurs made sure he was completely irrelevant in Game 1 of the series. Randolph only grabbed seven rebounds in the game, though three were offensive boards. Randolph is a huge part of the Grizzlies physical game and if he isn't a presence in the paint, the Grizzlies scoring options diminish as Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are forced to carry the load.
Duncan continues to be a force. His defense effort in Game 1 won't show up on his stat sheet. You can only tell he had two blocked shots, but if Duncan continues to play great defense, this series will be over sooner than expected.
Parker vs. Conley
Both of these guys run the offense and there is no argument, Tony Parker did a better job than Conley in Game 1. Parker finished with 20 points and nine assists as he was able to create shots for himself and his teammates. Conley almost matched Parker's effort going for 14 points and eight assists. However, he wasn't as efficient. Conley went 5-12 from the floor, while Parker hit 9-14 shots. The Grizzlies can't ask for more from Conley, so their defense led by Tony Allen and Tayshaun Prince will have to step up in Game 2
Splitter vs. Gasol
Though Splitter would never become a special part of any defense's game plan, his job is probably the most important as he will have to stop the NBA's best passing center from getting into a flow. Gasol is a big man, but he is a multi-dimensional player. He grabs boards, gets high percentage shots, but he can also hit the perimeter jumper and easily catch enough fire to take over a game. Gasol has carried the Grizzlies on his shoulders throughout these playoffs, but if Splitter can make a difference, Gasol will not get his way and the Spurs will have a chance to take a 2-0 series lead.