Warriors vs. Grizzles: Game 3 Showdown!

Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies

Series: Tied 1-1

TV: ABC / Radio: KNBR

Arena: FedExForum, Memphis, TN

Tip-Off: 5pm PST

Blog Buddy: www.grizzlybearblues.com

After a four-day break that seemed like an eternity, the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies go head to head in an important Game 3 that will give one team a leg up in this best-of-seven series. It’s going to be a big challenge for the Warriors who will also face a rowdy Memphis crowd that’s itching for a home win, and an even bigger challenge for the Grizzlies to take back-to-back wins. It’s anybody’s game — let's get it Dub Nation!

In the eight-plus years I’ve been with Golden State of Mind, this is my very first postseason game preview and I’m pretty stoked! Mind you, this is a "Round 2" Game Preview I’m writing that I hope to one day tell my grandkids about, especially if Golden State gets a win! (sarcasm, lol)

Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry’s MVP celebration was cut short Tuesday night when Memphis showed up to the Oracle and stole one on the road. This was an ugly game for our squad not to mention our fans who were silenced at home. A mixture of bad shooting and turnovers killed us. Klay Thompson struggled with 5 turnovers and 6 for 15 shooting. Our Dubs simply got outplayed.

Memphis Grizzlies: I never underestimated this team for a minute. I knew it was going to be an uphill battle from the start. Sure, Game 1 was a walkover for us but they damn near hushed the Roaracle crowd in Game 2. Now it’s anybody’s ballgame and with the Grizzlies playing at home, they might have an edge on us. Mike Conley’s return made a huge impact for his team as he dropped 22 points on Golden State and held Stephen Curry to a playoff low in scoring (19 points). Memphis is going into tonight's game with high spirits.

For Golden State to win: Our backcourt is going to have to step it up at the FedEx Forum. That means both Splash Brothers hitting their threes and making things happen. If Curry can create plays and get everyone involved, the Grizzlies are going to have their hands full. Cut back on the turnovers and play championship style defense and we can take game 3. Keep an eye on Klay Thompson; this could be a redemption-style night for him. It should be interesting to see what type of rotation Coach Kerr puts out. Someone off the bench is going to be a huge contributor tonight.

Predictions:

• Stephen Curry finishes the night with 39 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 0 turnovers (wishful thinking!)

• A better shooting night for Klay Thompson. Looking at a 29-point night.

• Draymond Green and Andrew Bogut are your x-factors tonight. Get things done in the paint fellas.

• Warriors sneak a win on the road: 110-103 is your final score.