The San Antonio Spurs’ season ended with their first turnover of the second half that came with four minutes remaining in the game. The Grizzlies would go on a 10-2 run as a result and from that point the Spurs’ saw their season end as they were eliminated 99 to 91.
The Spurs began the game by spotting the Grizzlies 14 points. Six turnovers and missed shots resulted in the 14-4 Memphis lead with seven minutes remaining in the first quarter.
By the end of the first quarter, the Spurs trailed the Grizzlies 24 to 16. The Spurs shot a rough 7-17 from the field in the in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Spurs took care of the ball (only two turnovers) and were able to stay within five points through the remainder of the quarter. Then, with 1:12 remaining in the second quarter Matt Bonner connected on a three pointer that cut the Grizzlies lead to two.
By halftime, the Spurs were still in the ball game as they only trailed 46 to 43. Their defense held Memphis to 22 points in the quarter as their offense poured in 27 points.
The Spurs came out strong as Tim Duncan cut the Grizzlies lead down to one then Ginobili was able to hit a perimeter jumper and tie the game at 48.
Throughout the third quarter, the Spurs would stay within striking distance as Tony Parker helped them stay within two points of the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies went up by seven points late in the third quarter, but Ginobili did something only Ginobili could do, he hit a half court three at the buzzer to cut the Grizzlies lead 70 to 66 entering the final quarter of the Spurs’ season. NOTE: The Spurs did not turn the ball over once in the third quarter.
The Grizzlies held a five-point margin through half of the fourth quarter, then with five minutes remaining in the game Ginobili went on a 4-0 run by himself and cut the Grizzlies lead 79-78.
Then, with 4:39 remaining in the game an Antonio McDyess jumper gave the Spurs their first lead since the first quarter (2-0) as they led 80 to 79.
Turnovers and poor execution were what led this Spurs team to its ultimate demise as they turned the ball over for the first time in the second half with less than four minutes remaining. This single turnover sparked a 10-2 Grizzlies run as the Grizzlies took a commanding 89 to 82 lead.
The Spurs would fall behind by nine points, get within six points but ultimately, that single turnover with two minutes remaining ended their season.
Game Notes
- After the game Spurs forward Antonio McDyess confirmed he will retire. McDyess’ finished his career with 10 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in his final NBA game.
- Should there be an extended lockout and Tim Duncan retires as well, he finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks.
- Zach Randolph closed the series with 31 points and 11 rebounds.
- The Grizzlies will move on to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round tomorrow at noon.
