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Losing two consecutive games in Chase Center in Game 3 and Game 4 did not derail the mentality of this young Memphis Grizzlies squad. Despite being down 1-3 entering Game 5 at Fedex Forum and without Ja Morant, the Grizzlies pounded on the Warriors from the start and wrapped up the contest before halftime. Memphis dominated every category as Golden State was demoralized from the onset and barely put up a fight in the second half.
It could be a mistake for Golden State to throw away a game even if they are ahead in the series because it gives the Grizzlies a semblance of hope and possibly gain any sort of momentum or confidence heading into Game 6. No one from the Warriors had a decent game in Game 5, but the Grizzlies must elevate their performance because the Warriors will definitely come from a vengeance in Game 6. With that, here are three b0ld predictions for Memphis in Game 6.
3 Bold Grizzlies predictions vs. Warriors in Game 6
3. Adams, JJJ, Clarke dominate the interior
With the Warriors winning the rebounding battle in the first four games, Memphis changed the tide in Game 5 by having a plus 18 advantage on the boards. It created more possessions for them as a 24-5 second-chance points advantage was a massive reason for the rout of the Grizzlies. The size of the Warriors has been a persisting issue but not all franchises are able to expose their weaknesses.
For Game 6 to become a nip-and-tuck affair, Memphis must constantly pound the ball inside and force Golden State to double team on the block and have all five guys crash the boards on every possession. Through sheer effort, it will require the Warriors to utilize a ton of their energy in defending and rebounding as well. Putting Steven Adams in the starting lineup has been a brilliant move for coach Taylor Jenkins as there are certain instances wherein his size alone has brought problems to the Warriors frontline.
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2. Bane, Brooks combine for 8+ 3's made
When the paint gets congested, it spaces the floor for the shooters of the Grizzlies. Furthermore, Memphis is a squad that is known to force a plethora of turnovers which is the key to generating transition opportunities and open long-range bombs for Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, and the rest of the crew. Without Morant, Jenkins needs more individuals to step up to the plate and create offense for the Grizzlies.
Bane just recently proved his emergence as a reliable role player in the Minnesota series, so the challenge for him is to become more consistent against the Warriors. Moreover, Brooks is the epitome of a player who could easily be one of the best or worst ones on the floor. There seems to be no middle ground with the performance of Brooks, so Memphis fans must hope and pray that he is on a heater in Game 6 as he is more than capable to make it rain from long distance.
1. Grizzlies put up a legitimate fight, lose by 8-12 points
Since Ja Morant is doubtful for the remainder of the playoffs, the outlook of Memphis seems bleak even if they squeak past Golden State once again. It was just a cold and atrocious night for the Warriors in Game 5, but it seems improbable for the Warriors to play three successive subpar contests in the playoffs. Even if Golden State imposes their will, the relentlessness and perseverance of the Grizzlies will not plummet a tad bit, but the absence of Morant will be a bit more magnified in this critical Game 6.
Manufacturing offense in the fourth quarter will be another issue for the Grizzlies, which will likely cost them losing Game 6 against a team with a talented bunch led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole. Golden State is prone to slow starts because they know they can just turn on the switch in the second half, so it would be vital for Memphis to pounce early in the first half and possibly steal another close one in this series.
It will be a barn burner on Friday night, and this would be a highly enjoyable contest for any NBA fan.
