NOTES: ON GRIZZLIES HISTORIC WIN

(AP Photo)

The Memphis Grizzlies shocking series victory over the heavy favorites and Western Conference top seed San Antonio Spurs was the first-ever playoff series win in the 16- year history of the franchise. Other firsts that were earlier recorded in this opening round best-of-seven affair was the first-ever playoff and home playoff wins, respectively, in Grizzlies history.

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The Grizzlies became the fourth last seeded team in NBA playoff history to upset the Conference top seed after the Denver Nuggets (1994), New York Knicks (1999) and the Golden State Warriors (2007).

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The Grizzlies were the clear aggressor in their game six win over the Spurs, 99-91. The Grizzlies went to the free throw line 30 times, converting 22 shots, while limiting the Spurs to only 14 free throws attempts and making 12 shots.

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Grizzlies leader and heart and soul, Zach Randolph has grown-up and improved tremendously on the defensive-end since coming to Memphis, says head coach Lionel Hollins during the post-game press conference of game six.

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The Grizzlies second round series with the Oklahoma City Thunder will be an exciting one considering the up-tempo game and the presence of strong, young and mobile players in both squads. The Grizzlies are gunning for another upset series win.

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Grizzlies slotman Marc Gasol finally walked out from the shadow of his more illustrious brother, Pau of the Los Angeles Lakers, with his outstanding over-all performance in the Spurs series. His overpowering game throughout the six-game series made Tim Duncan looked like an old man indeed.

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An interesting match-up to watch-out for in the coming Grizzlies-Thunder series is the battle of the young and upcoming point-guards in the league between Russell Westbrook of OKC and Mike Conley of Memphis.

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It’s a pity to see Grizzlies star Rudy Gay missed the entire playoffs due to an injury he suffered last February. He is the original team leader of the team before Randolph took over.

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Grizzlies sixth man OJ Mayo is one lucky guy to be enjoying his first playoff series win. Mayo was almost traded to the Indiana Pacers last February due to attitude problem. Now Hollins is all-praised for the former USC Trojans standout for his full-acceptance of a bench role with the Grizzlies.

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My heart goes to Antonio McDyess, the veteran power forward of the Spurs. Despite seriously hurting his left shoulder in game four, he continued to play aggressively in games five and six. McDyess is said to be retiring after this disappointing series loss to the Grizzlies. Our hats off to you, Mr. McDyess.