| Grizzlies Find Out Phoenix Is For Real Authored by Daniel Sonnenberg - April 25, 2005 - 3:36 am
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The Grizzlies also gave up 15 three pointers to the Phoenix Suns and this is something that they absolutely cannot do if they want to move on to the next round of the playoffs, let alone compete in Game 2.
The Grizzlies will also need more points from Shane Battier, Lorenzen Wright, Stromile Swift, and Bonzi Wells. The four of these key role players combined to score an anemic 27 points.
Look for Bonzi Wells to step up his game, as he’s the most playoff experienced member of his team. Also look for James Posey and Earl Watson to clamp down on the defense within their allotted playing time. The Grizzlies are deep enough to contend with the Suns, but the key will be defense. They will surely play the perimeter much tighter.
They will also need more than 16 points from Pau Gasol, who shot only one free throw. Gasol will need to attack the basket more in order to draw more fouls.
The Grizzlies will be sure to make the necessary adjustments prior to Game 2 and it will be crucial for Mike Fratello to find matchups that work in his team’s favor.
The luxury of his depth is that he can run a fast defensive lineup of Swift, Battier, Posey, and Wells at one time with either J-Will or Earl Watson at the point. He can also place Miller into the mix with J-Will, Wright, Gasol, Swift, and Posey to create a clutch three point shooting lineup, whatever the lineup might be, Fratello has to find it and find it fast because the clock’s ticking. |
