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After going through a tumultuous six-game series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Memphis Grizzlies have a ton of momentum on their side.
Ja Morant did not have the best series against the Timberwolves, but he stepped up in the clutch when his team needed it most. Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke were sensational contributors for the Grizzlies as they now move onto the second round to go up against the three-seeded Golden State Warriors.
The trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole will be a headache for Memphis in this series, but they will definitely be ready for the challenge. Overcoming numerous adversities in the first round provides Memphis a crucial edge against one of the most flammable offensive teams in basketball. Coming from behind was the recipe for the Grizzlies in the first round, one of many reasons why they're equipped to beat the mighty Warriors.
3 reasons Grizzlies will beat Warriors in 2022 Western Conference Semifinals
Imposing their size and athleticism on the glass
As the Warriors have no true center patrolling the paint, the Grizzlies could pounce on the opportunity of gaining the rebounding edge every game which will lead to more shot attempts for the team. Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr. will likely receive the majority of the minutes at the four and five with Steven Adams unlikely to be utilized in this series as well.
Memphis led the NBA in offensive rebounding this season because of their sheer hustle and desire to grab the ball. That characteristic and mentality has propelled them to several huge wins this season as a young roster like Memphis does not lack the energy and stamina to compete with anyone in the league. With Kevon Looney as the tallest man in Golden State, Memphis must lead the series in rebounding if they want to have a legitimate chance of winning the contest.
Forcing Warriors turnovers
One of the few weaknesses of the Warriors is coughing up the rock and giving away easy baskets on the other end. Steve Kerr's offensive system is predicated on cutting, passing and off-ball movement, making Golden State extra susceptible to turnovers. With Memphis known to push the pace to create easy baskets, the Warriors will be in trouble if their penchant for unforced errors re-surfaces in the second round.
The Grizzlies boast one of the most active, disruptive and athletic defenses in the league, led by Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks. Clarke, Desmond Bane and Kyle Anderson thrived on that end against the Timberwolves, too. If Memphis forces enough turnovers to get out and run in the open floor, Golden State will surely be in trouble—especially with Morant looking to bounce back from an underwhelming first round.
Morant, Bane outplay Curry, Thompson
In a battle of the starting backcourts, Memphis will be an underdog in this contest because of the track record and production of both Curry and Thompson. Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II will likely alternate in trying to contain Morant as the objective will be for him to be inefficient, just like he was versus Minnesota.
When Morant is on a roll, his impact is not solely limited to his individual numbers. The pressure he puts on the rim as a penetrator—and even just the threat of it—consistently opens up space for his teammates to score. Furthermore, Bane was the catalyst of the Grizzlies' hard-fought first-round victory over the Timberwolves, leading them in scoring in three out of six games. Bane has that rare knack of knocking down timely threes, key against a sharp-shooting Warriors squad known for game-changing scoring runs.
Alongside Brooks, De'Anthony Melton and versatile defenders like Jackson, Clarke and Anderson, Bane will at least make life hard on Curry and Thompson. Should Morant rise to the occasion defensively, too, don't be surprised if Memphis' backcourt outplays Golden State's, swinging this series entirely.
