Spurs Seeks To End To Stalemate With Grizzlies
The San Antonio Spurs probably didn't expect to be even with the Memphis Grizzlies ahead of Game 5. Both teams have held home court in the first round of the best-of-seven series, with a pivotal matchup set for Tuesday night at AT&T Center.
Memphis escaped with a 110-108 overtime victory in Game 4 on Saturday, outshooting San Antonio from beyond the arc, 44 percent to 30 percent, and from the field overall, 46.3 percent to 42.3 percent. The Grizzlies also outrebounded the Spurs, 51 to 37. San Antonio kept the game competitive by committing just nine turnovers compared to the home team's 22 turnovers.
Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard had one of the best games of his career. The 25-year-old scored 43 points to go along with eight rebounds and six steals.
"That was a great game," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said after Game 4. "Both teams played their hearts out—just a fantastic basketball game. The fans got their money's worth tonight for sure."
The Grizzlies, a No. 7 seed with a 19-22 regular-season road record, entered the series with just a 10 percent chance of advancing to the Western Conference semifinals, according to projections by FiveThirtyEight.com. Three of the four NBA pundits at USA Today picked the Spurs to advance in five games, while one picked the Spurs in six. International Business Times predicted the Spurs would sweep.
The Grizzlies are still without swingman Tony Allen. The veteran defensive specialist is out of a walking boot, according to recent reports, after being listed as "out indefinitely" with a calf strain on April 13.
Game 5 tips off after 9 p.m. ET. The Spurs are favored by 10 points, with the over/under at 186.5 points, according to Westgate Superbook.
Game 6 will take place on Thursday at FedEx Forum in Memphis. If there is a Game 7 it will be on Saturday at AT&T Center.
The Spurs remain behind the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers in odds to win the NBA Finals in June. San Antonio currently has 13-to-1 odds to capture the title, trailing the Warriors (5/12) and the Cavs (3/1), according to VegasInsider.com.
