MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) -- The Memphis Grizzlies stage
their first-ever home playoff game Thursday night when they meet
the San Antonio Spurs.
Before the game, Hubie Brown will receive his Coach of the Year
award after leading the Grizzlies to the playoffs for the first
time in the 10-year history of the franchise.
But Brown has his work cut out for him in trying to come up with
a winning game plan against the Spurs, who won the first two
games of the series by an average margin of 20.5 points.
The defending champion Spurs, who limited the Grizzlies to 74
points in Game One on Saturday, posted an 87-70 triumph in Game
Two two days later.
Tony Parker scored 27 points and Tim Duncan added 23 and 12
rebounds for the Spurs, who limited the Grizzlies to 37 percent
from the field (26-of-71).
Robert Horry, who added 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench,
made two big 3-pointers for the Spurs after the Grizzlies cut a
12-point deficit to one late in the third quarter.
MEANINGFUL MATCHUP: Parker vs. Jason Williams. Parker
completely outplayed his point guard counterpoint in Game Two,
making 11-of-20 shots, including a team playoff-record three
first-quarter 3-pointers, while Williams connected on just
2-of-10. Parker also had seven assists and two turnovers while
Williams had four and three.
WHO'S HOT:
Spurs: F Duncan, 49 points in first two games; F Horry, 24
points on 11-of-15 shooting off the bench.
Grizzlies: F Pau Gasol, 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting and 11
rebounds in Game Two.
WHO'S NOT:
Spurs: C Rasho Nesterovic, eight points in first two games.
Grizzlies: C Lorenzen Wright and G Mike Miller, 10 points apiece
through first two games; G Jason Williams, total of 14 points.
STREAKS: San Antonio has won 13 straight games since a loss at
Minnesota on March 23. ... Memphis had won five straight home
games before losing its finale to Minnesota on April 14, 107-90.
SEASON SERIES & HISTORY: The teams have split their six meetings
this season.
INJURIES: Spurs: G Jason Hart (slight concussion suffered in
third quarter of Game Two).
