AT&T Center – The San Antonio Spurs throttled the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, 105-83. From precise offensive execution, a franchise playoff record 14 threes made to holding Zach Randolph nearly scoreless for the game, the Spurs put on a clinic to go up 1-0 in the series.
However, Memphis has been in this spot before in the postseason. They were down 0-1 against the Clippers and Thunder only to rally and win both series.
After the game, I caught up with Memphis' Austin Daye, who finished Game 1 with 4 points, and 1 rebound, spoke about the loss to the Spurs, adjustments heading into Game 2 tonight, confidence, and more including his thought's on Tony Parker's MVP-caliber regular season.
Jeff: What are your thoughts on Game 1?
Austin: They (Spurs) came out very aggressive. They hit a lot of big shots. We really couldn't contain the fire. They knocked down shots throughout the whole game. They really did a good job at executing their offense. We got to do a better job in Game 2.
What can you take from Game 1 going into Game 2?
We can do a lot better job at the pick-and-roll.
This is a Memphis team that has been in this situation before in the postseason (being down 0-1). I take it that just give this team confidence?
Of course. We lost to the Clippers in the same fashion. San Antonio just hit a couple of more threes. Our pick-and-roll defense wasn't up to par in Game 1 against the Clippers and we went out to make a change in Game 2 and we contained them a lot better and almost won the game. Then we went home and did our business. But you have to come out aggressive and execute early and execute the whole game.
Talk about the play of Tony Parker (20 points, 9 assists) in Game 1.
Tony is an All-Star point guard. I feel he is in the MVP race all the time and this year was one of his best years just like that guy LeBron James is. But I think Tony is probably one of the best point guards in the league. I feel Mike (Conley) will do a better job in Game 2 and try to be very aggressive.
The Spurs and Grizzlies will tipoff for Game 2 tonight at the AT&T Center.
