Young Grizzlies look to surprise veteran Warriors
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The Golden State Warriors are looking to re-create their postseason magic, which included five consecutive NBA Finals appearances from 2015 to 2019.
The Memphis Grizzlies are new to the scene, coming off their first playoff series win in seven years.
The second-seeded Grizzlies and third-seeded Warriors will showcase youthful energy versus veteran experience when the teams tip off in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series Sunday in Memphis.
Golden State is coming off a 4-1 series win over the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. The Warriors won all three games on their home court and split a pair of games on the road.
Stephen Curry is averaging 28.0 points in five games during the postseason. He is shooting 50 percent (46 of 92) from the field and 40.4 percent (19 of 47) from beyond the arc.
Klay Thompson (22.6 points per game in the playoffs) and Jordan Poole (21.0) also have scored early and often for Golden State. Andrew Wiggins is averaging 14.0 points and a team-high 6.8 rebounds.
Yet it is Curry who sets the tone for the Warriors’ up-tempo attack.
“He’s a lot stronger,” said Draymond Green, who is in his 10th season with Golden State. “When he’s driving to the hole, what teams used to do is bump him off his path. Can’t move him anymore. …
“You have to overreact to the shot. If you’re not pressed up and overreacting to the shot, then he shoots, and good luck. But once he puts his head down and drives it, and he’s committed to getting to the hole, he’s strong enough to take those bumps and not get pushed off his path.”
The Grizzlies also are determined to stay on their path.
Memphis held on for a 4-2 series win over the scrappy Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round. The Grizzlies posted identical 2-1 records at home and on the road.
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 23.5 points per game in the first round. He shot 49.5 percent (48 of 97) overall and a stellar 48.2 percent (27 of 56) from 3-point range.
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Source : yahoo
