Bayless and Pondexter will start Game 3

[Amuseddaysleeper]

This is the latest word from Memphis. This will definitely spread the floor more for Memphis. Bayless only shot 7-18 in Game 2, though he did have some big buckets in the fourth quarter.

On the upside, this should hurt the Grizz more defensively, no?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I don't see how that helps them at all. Green on Pondexter, Leonard on Bayless. Spurs also win the matchups on offense.

[xellos88330]

I don't believe this solves much for Memphis. Their bench production could very well suck.

[HarlemHeat37]

I'd be surprised if they both start, but I expect them both to play a lot more..it was the obvious adjustment that most of us expected following game 1..

Pondexter is a better player than Prince, he's a decent defender, that move won't hurt them in either facet, tbh..

Bayless over Allen is obviously a defensive subtraction, but Tony Allen's off-ball defense hasn't been good in this series, so there won't be a substantial difference IMO..Danny Green can't create, but he will receive the same looks, he just has to make them..

Prince will play more point forward and he'll be able to cover Bonner, that may be a concern for the Spurs, along with Allen guarding Manu..overall, it's an obvious adjustment for Memphis, and it will help them IMO..

Spurs should benefit on the boards without Allen and Prince, though..

Spurs simply need to keep exploiting Randolph, make their 3s, and Parker needs to continue dicing up Memphis's defense..

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I don't see how that helps them at all. Green on Pondexter, Leonard on Bayless. Spurs also win the matchups on offense.

That's my thought, too. I didn't see too much Green on Pondexter last night, and I wondered if that's because Pop was keeping that assignment in his back pocket anticipating this potential lineup change. Probably giving Pop too much CIA credit, but you almost wonder if the Spurs are baiting the Grizz into this a little bit. Pop was either thoroughly confused last night when the Grizz switched things up, or he wanted that little run to happen to fool Hollins into thinking he figured something out.

[Mugen]

Starting Pon over Prince makes sense. Starting Bayless over Allen as well does not.

The Spurs bench was atrocious in Game 2. Having them matchup with Allen/Prince only helps the bench unit tbh as Neal's garbage ass can hide on Allen or Prince.

[HarlemHeat37]

Also, it's imperative that the Spurs stop leaving Pondexter..I don't know if it's strategical, but they keep doubling off him and giving him the open shot, it's going to burn them, tbh..

[Spur|n|Austin]

Desperate move starting Bayless over Allen, imo.

[naico]

Please do.

[spurraider21]

so much for memphis' defensive identity. pondexter is a very average defender, as is bayless. offensively, bayless is sort of like what Neal used to be for us. while he can make shots in a hurry, they're usually not within the rhythm of the offense and he's just going to take opportunities out of the post. even though they've been struggling, i'm fine with zach/marc getting more frustrated

[ElNono]

Bayless is a chucker... any time he takes a shot away from Conley, the Spurs should be ok with it. He's a career 35% 3pt shooter, currently only hitting 15% from downtown in the last two games.

Neal made him look like an All-Star, but against Verde or Kawhi, he should be close to a non-issue.

Even with QPon and Bayless, Memphis was only able to come up with 21pts in that 'great' 4th quarter.

The Spurs just needs to keep moving the ball and putting it in the basket. We stopped scoring when we went away from that. Get back to it, and it really doesn't matter who they play. They can't keep up with the scoring.

[boutons_deux]

Spurs for game3: no bonner, no neal

[ajballer4]

Strange to completely change the lineup that you've had all season to get you here. Desperation move.

That being said, if Hollins was smart, you start the normal lineup and bring in Pondexter and Bayless earlier and play them heavy min against our bench. As stated above, Green and Leonard are the best two defenders so putting your best scorers against them isn't going to help that much

[Uriel]

Tony Allen coming off the bench allows him to match-up with Manu. Plus, it's really the only way Memphis will be able to score at this point.

It's definitely the right adjustment for Lionel Hollins.

[TJastal]

So basically they are taking their best hope at offense and concentrating their minutes against our best defenders ... I might have to change my prediction of spurs in 5 to spurs sweep.

[TJastal]

Tony Allen coming off the bench allows him to match-up with Manu. Plus, it's really the only way Memphis will be able to score at this point.

It's definitely the right adjustment for Lionel Hollins.

Lol. As if Manu's 35% shooting and 8 points a game is his biggest problem...

[apalisoc_9]

Lol. As if Manu's 35% shooting and 8 points a game is his biggest problem...

He's the only other guy that can create for others.You take that away and the bench is fcked

[TDomination]

The first team to make changes to their starting line-up (not due to injury) is the team that has hits the panic button.

I HATED it when we did it last year against OKC in game 5, I HATED it when we did against the Warriors in Game 2.

It reeks of desperation and lets the opponent know that they are in your head. Bad move on their part but I do hope they do it.

[The Reckoning]

memphis trolling fools tbh

[DesignatedT]

They wont pull Allen out of the SL. Maybe Prince.

[K-State Spur]

Seriously doubt they do that.

...But I hope they do. There's no lineup that Memphis can put on the floor that is "good" offensively*. But they can certainly weaken their defense (the team's core strength) and make their bench unit unbelievably bad offensively by moving pieces around.

* That doesn't mean they can't play well offensively - especially for stretches, but they don't have a lineup that it makes it likely that they will.

[ElNono]

Prince is a pro, but I'm not sure how Allen would react to being demoted to the bench, tbh... I suspect he might actually not be, at least until game 4... Hollins might just try QPon for Prince first, then go from there...

[Mr. Body]

Memphis badly needs perimeter scoring. If Bayless shoots 7-18, like he did, then that's a net plus - much better than most of the team is shooting, tbh.

[Splits]

Related article on the Spurs defense with Prince & Allen on the floor: http://www.sbnation.com/2013/5/22/4355560/grizzlies-spurs-western-conference-finals-analysis-quincy-pondexter

:lol the "Tayshaun defense"

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[T Park]

So when they come out along with Randolph, their offense will go to trash, however, the Spurs bench will be in and isn't that high powered either.

This does open things up for Conley and others.

[look_at_g_shred]

Please do.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Fine by me their bench will be awful and the little fire power they had off the bench will be non existent

[crc21209]

Meh...pulling Allen and Prince from the starting lineup only makes their defense worse. By starting Pondexter and Bayless, they would lose firepower off the bench as well...

[DPG21920]

Well, it's an obvious adjustment as HH said (not staring them, but more minutes). However, this places a ton of pressure on that starting 5 to score all the points as they would now have absolutely 0 bench (meaning expectations, of course, someone could randomly go off).

They would need 80 points from that starting 5. I don't think their defense can suffer too much at this point with how the Spurs have shredded them overall, but there is definitely potential now for the Spurs to continue having big quarters. Key is, as I said before Bayless became a starter, is not leaving him. He should command the same attention Klay Thompson/Curry did in the context of this MEM team.

[T Park]

I was going to vote for Green to guard Conley in game 3 since he handled Curry so well, and Parker to swtich to Allen, but if he does this, parker has to stay on Conley and Green check Bayless.

Really kills their bench and would almost make Hollins overplay Conley or Bayless and put alot of scoring pressure on Arthur and whoever else.

[Warlord23]

There's a good chance that Hollins goes ahead with this move. Unlike the Spurs with Manu/Bonner/Diaw/Neal/CJ, the Grizz don't have a full 5-man bench unit. They mainly play 3 bench guys in Pondexter, Bayless and Arthur mixed in with the starters. With 3 days off, Hollins will probably decide to play his starters 40+ minutes each, and reduce playing time for Prince and Arthur.

C: Gasol 40 / Zbo 8
PF: Zbo 32 / Arthur 16
SF: Pondexter 38 / Prince 10
SG: Bayless 24 / Allen 24
PG: Conley 38 / Bayless 10

[Brunodf]

Just don't double and we will be fine. Memphis bigs are limited and can't take advantage of Splitter/Duncan

[superbigtime]

I remember when Bayless dropped 40 something on the Spurs when he was with Portland. Little dude can ball.

[Ocotillo]

Maybe Allen has to sit with a concussion? ;)

[McGusto55]

The little bench they had goes to no bench now......

[eric365]

If I'm Hollins I only bench Prince and start Pondexter

If they start Bayless: Green will defend on Conley and Parker on Bayless => Less fatigue for TP and better D on their PG
Plus Bayless is more a playmaker than Pondexter so he would be more missed in the 2nd unit

[ohmwrecker]

Bayless and Pondexter are like Jack and Barnes but not at all as good.

[hater]

:lol Bayless is a chucker. pls do

[Floyd Pacquiao]

that would be cool...leonard checks pondexter and green on bayless, downside is you cant sag off of pondexter to double...upside they have no bench scoring

[T Park]

The more that I think about the more I think it benefits the Spurs. If the Spurs were struggling to guard Gasol and Randolph, I'd be scared of this. However,since Splitter and Duncan are guarding those two so well, It would be ok to stay with those guys, that said, Randolph is struggling to get anything done, offense or passing, that and Leonard is very quick to recover with his length, so I think it could work out OK.

[lefty]

I don't believe this solves much for Memphis. Their bench production could very well suck.
This

A good bench is crucial in the playoffs

[eric365]

since Splitter and Duncan are guarding those two so well.
They guarded them so well thanks to the double team especially on Randolph
With good 3pts shooter around it will be another story

[wildbill2u]

Pop's strategy has been to leave Allen unguarded since he is such a bad shooter. (28% from over 5 ft according to ESPN blog) or force the ball into his hands. That frees up one of our guys to double team their post players. Prince isn't much better.

Hollins almost has to do this since we've exposed the Allen weakness.

[8FOR!3]

So who's the Grizzlies' #1 scorer off the bench? lol, anybody?

[LongtimeSpursFan]

Maybe they bringing Allen off the bench because he really hurt himself in that nasty spill from game yesterday. I'm no doctor but that look like a severe case of shaken baby syndrome the way his head rattled around when he was rolling around on the floor.

[T Park]

They guarded them so well thanks to the double team especially on Randolph
With good 3pts shooter around it will be another story

Wrong. Spurs have guarded them well straight up with guys coming in at the last minute to attempt to strip. Not straight double team.

Duncan and Splitter have held their own just fine against the two.

[T Park]

So who's the Grizzlies' #1 scorer off the bench? lol, anybody?

Before this Bayless, after this? Darrell Arthur?

[eric365]

Wrong. Spurs have guarded them well straight up with guys coming in at the last minute to attempt to strip. Not straight double team.

Duncan and Splitter have held their own just fine against the two.

You sure? Isn't it Duncan or Splitter being helped on Randolph or Gasol early in the possetion?

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The images were not that hard to find tbh. Just the page before

[TJastal]

Maybe they bringing Allen off the bench because he really hurt himself in that nasty spill from game yesterday. I'm no doctor but that look like a severe case of shaken baby syndrome the way his head rattled around when he was rolling around on the floor.

Not sure if serious...

[TJastal]

They guarded them so well thanks to the double team especially on Randolph
With good 3pts shooter around it will be another story

Yah? And then what happens when the "good 3pts shooter" needs a blow? Is Hollins just going to play those "good 3pts shooter" the entire game?

Anyway, point is mostly moot. Splitter and Duncan can handle Gasol and Randolph in the post. Foul trouble is the only thing that could cause a problem for the spurs as it did last night because Pop is too stupid to use Baynes in the one series where he obviously might need size.

[T Park]

You sure? Isn't it Duncan or Splitter being helped on Randolph or Gasol early in the possetion?

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The images were not that hard to find tbh. Just the page before


Your picking and choosing 1 photo from 48 minute games? Bravo.

Eric learned copy and paste 1 photo. Goody.

[T Park]

Yah? And then what happens when the "good 3pts shooter" needs a blow? Is Hollins just going to play those "good 3pts shooter" the entire game?

Anyway, point is mostly moot. Splitter and Duncan can handle Gasol and Randolph in the post. Foul trouble is the only thing that could cause a problem for the spurs as it did last night because Pop is too stupid to use Baynes in the one series where he obviously might need size.

Yeah Baynes is the missing link....

christ.

[eric365]

Yah? And then what happens when the "good 3pts shooter" needs a blow? Is Hollins just going to play those "good 3pts shooter" the entire game?

That's why I said in this thread I would just replace Prince by Pondexter. That's at least one less dead body on offense for them and they keep Bayless off the bench who is the most suited for a 6th man role out of these 2

=> one less spurs available for double team.

I still think the spurs win the series in 5 or 6 but this adjustement will help especially Randolph who was double teamed a lot

[eric365]

Your picking and choosing 1 photo from 48 minute games? Bravo.

Eric learned copy and paste 1 photo. Goody.

First, it's 3 photo. Second, thanks I appreciate this congratulation. I will print this post in my bedroom

Anyway if you haven't seen Randolph being double teamed most of the series, we are not watching the same games so its not worth discussing

[T Park]

First, it's 3 photo. Second, thanks I appreciate this congratulation. I will print this post in my bedroom

Anyway if you haven't seen Randolph being double teamed most of the series, we are not watching the same games so its not worth discussing


I've seen Duncan guarding Randolph one on one well and the defender on the ball when Duncan is not in dropping down on him.

Havent seen anyone leave their man just to double Randolph maybe not once or twice.

[TJastal]

Yeah Baynes is the missing link....

christ.

Because watching 7 footers outmuscle Matt Bonner in the paint never gets old for some around here apparently...

[m33p0]

memphis has no choice but to do this if they want to unclog the paint. tony allen and tayshaun prince probably had set the record for most airballs in one game.

[T Park]

Because watching 7 footers outmuscle Matt Bonner in the paint never gets old for some around here apparently...


Congrats that hasn't happened. yOu continue to watch a different playoffs.

[T Park]

memphis has no choice but to do this if they want to unclog the paint. tony allen and tayshaun prince probably had set the record for most airballs in one game.

awesome, hope they plan on playing them 40 some odd minutes and they don't get tired.

[DAF86]

I don't see how that helps them at all. Green on Pondexter, Leonard on Bayless. Spurs also win the matchups on offense.

This won't allow us to cheat so much to crowd Marc and Z-Bo on the post, it makes quite a difference, tbh.

[therealtruth]

Hollins said he wished the ball had been in Conley's hands on the final play instead of Pondexter. Conley makes smart decisions with the ball. Pondexter not so much.