The Memphis Grizzlies got off to a hot start offensively, particularly from beyond the arc, but they were unable to capitalise on an early lead and were eventually run out of the Chase Center in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinals series against the Golden State Warriors, losing 142-112 to the home team.
The Grizzlies’ Ja Morant put up large numbers again, finishing with 34 points, seven assists, and three rebounds, but the Warriors’ balanced approach was too much to overcome, as five players scored in double digits, headed by Stephen Curry’s 30 points and six assists, and Jordan Poole’s 27 points. Golden State has the opportunity to establish a huge lead in their best-of-seven series against Memphis if they win Game 4 on Monday night.
The following are the three most important lessons from Game 3.
Jordan Poole was defended by someone who was slower than Jordan Poole. Jordan Poole burned said slower defender. To prevent an easy basket, the defence panicked. As a result, the basket became easier.
- Greetings from the Poole Party
Golden State’s offence is unlike any other in the NBA. It’s the type of setup where nearly anyone can score for the team. Golden State did not sacrifice its principles against Memphis, as five Warriors scored at least 17 points in Game 3, but they do appear to have accepted one simple fact: nobody on the Grizzlies can stay in front of Jordan Poole. These kinds of plays don’t show up in the box score, but they’re what made Poole so important in Game 3.
Basketball playoffs are all about matchups. At this level, advantages are often few and far between, so teams must find their greatest ones and attack them mercilessly. Golden State has never played like this before. They prefer their fast-paced, visually appealing offence. Poole’s matchup with Memphis has been a perfect blend of the two. He hunts down slow defenders, destroys them, and then makes the extra pass when the defence reacts. It’s an advantage the Warriors have never enjoyed before. Stephen Curry possesses numerous talents, but he is not an athlete of this type. Kevin Durant is far more meticulous than explosive, despite his merciless efficiency.
Basketball playoffs are all about matchups. At this level, advantages are often few and far between, so teams must find their greatest ones and attack them mercilessly. Golden State has never played like this before. They prefer their fast-paced, visually appealing offence. Poole’s matchup with Memphis has been a perfect blend of the two. He hunts down slow defenders, destroys them, and then makes the extra pass when the defence reacts. It’s an advantage the Warriors have never enjoyed before. Stephen Curry possesses numerous talents, but he is not an athlete of this type. Kevin Durant is far more meticulous than explosive, despite his merciless efficiency.
Poole is a unique location. It’s as if Greg Maddux, in his mid-30s, suddenly had a 100 mph fastball. He was already impregnable… Now opponents must also deal with this? It’s nearly unjustifiable.