The Memphis Grizzlies could hardly get in the top-seeded Golden State Warriors' way as they fell 101-86 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Sunday, raising doubts about whether the Grizzlies' best defensive efforts can stop such an explosive offensive machine.
The Grizzlies lacked the aggression they showed in the first round against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Moreover, they face a much more potent scoring force in the Warriors after handling a short-handed Blazers team.
Containing the blue-and-yellow blur that the New Orleans Pelicans could only slow momentarily in the opening round—something that Memphis didn't show any signs of doing Sunday—requires the Grizzlies to reacquaint with the way they grind teams down.