NSL Semi Finals Series Review: Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets
The Bear and the Mountain



What a series we bared witness to in this matchup of Western Conference powerhouses. The Memphis Grizzlies hosted the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semi Finals. In what was a treat for basketball fans, the series went the distance.

Memphis completed a dominant season, racking up 67 wins and dispensing of most teams quite easily. A testament to their patience and team building skill, the Grizz boast a deep roster, with veterans and upcoming great players, fitting together philosophically and on the 2k court. Jaylen Brown, Tyler Herro and Mike Conley float the team on offense, while the team flaunts as great of a defense as there is in the NSL, with Jaren Jackson Jr, Steven Adams, Mitchell Robinson, O.G. Anunoby enforcing arguably the toughest defense in the NSL. Oh, and they are spearheaded by NBA Defensive Player of the Year in Marcus Smart.

Was this the season the Nuggets would fulfill on their promise? They breezed through the Play In games and were awarded a walkover in the first round due to the Spurs sticking up their middle fingers to the NSL rules and infrastructures. The allure of having the Splash Family means the Nuggets are a favourite across NSL casuals and diehard supporters, because who doesn�t love Steph Curry and Klay Thompson!? Unfortunately, MPJ still remained injured, but with Klay back, a beefed-up front line and some great rookie surprises, did they have what it takes to push the Grizzlies off the edge and move into the Western Conference Finals?



GAME ONE � Denver 108, Memphis 101

Denver leads 1-0

An upset. With no Marcus Smart and Steven Adams, the game was always going to be tougher for the Grizzlies. However, no one had seen Denver play a game for weeks, not since the Play In games. The Nuggets looked not only rested, but well prepared, with their offensive schemes and defensive effort doing enough to pull away at the end, winning by 7. Absolutely a surprise result, but no surprise that the Nuggets won; Stephen Curry scorched the Bears for 41 points and 10 assists for a masterful performance, as the Nuggets took home court.

GAME TWO � Denver 110, Memphis 91
Denver leads 2-0

What did Memphis have as a counter? Still without Smart and Adams, Memphis just didn�t have the gameplan to counter the Nuggets schemes and personnel. The Nuggets took a double digit lead into the break and once the teams came back onto the floor, they only added to the margin. Denver had an even spread of scorers, and continue to surprise with their defensive effort and plus rebound margins against the perceived �bigger� Grizzlies team. SOS, Steven Adams!

GAME THREE � Memphis 111, Denver 75
Denver leads 2-1

I�m not certain of the figures, but going down 3-0 in a best of seven series if effectively sealing your doom. Memphis travelled to Denver for the first time after relinquishing home court advantage. Marcus Smart and Steven Adams returned, and not a moment too soon. Denver finally ran into those abrasive, relentless Grizzlies defenders, failing to even crack 80 points in a demolition. Series very much alive. Conley�s efficient 20 points lead the way for Memphis.

GAME FOUR � Denver 118, Memphis 114
Denver leads 3-1

What a series this has been. It was assumed that with their full team, the Grizzlies, who boast a 65 win regular season, would roll over the Nuggets, restore order to the standings and stamp their authority on the series. Wrong we were. Curry slayed with 34 points and 11 assists, involving all of his teammates, helping Hernangomez and Connaughton to a critical 30 points, between them. This Nuggets team continues to show mettle that few thought they possessed.

GAME FIVE � Memphis 107, Denver 94
Denver leads 3-2

Memphis lives on! A series saving win here from the Grizzlies is not only what was wanted, it was essential. From this moment on, it is Win or Go Home. The reinforcements were back and it showed, with the game tempo and style being more complementary of Memphis than it was for Denver. Unfortunately/fortunately, Denver�s success relies on Stephen Curry. He plays great, they win or go close. He doesn�t play well, the Nuggets so far haven�t shown any other avenues to playing winning Semi Finals basketball. Curry went 8-28 with Smart returning to absolutely stifle the champion. As is the Grizzlies way, an even spread of scorers and a team full of defenders controlled this one fairly easily.

GAME SIX � Memphis 101, Denver 86

Tied 3-3

Another Win or Go Home for Memphis, and the last chance for Denver to capatalise on the advantage they created with their early wins in the series. Half way through this game, Memphis looked anything but a playoff team, playing sluggish, basic basketball � not worthy of a playoff team. The Nuggets played well and took a lead of 13 into the break. However, any excitement from Nuggets fans dreaming of a Conference Finals berth were soon put on ice, with the second half being a reversal of the first. The cohesive Nuggets forgetting how to play entirely and looking like lumps of coal out there staves off another possible Memphis elimination. Good Jaylen turned up today, scoring a pitoval 31 points to lead allcomers.

GAME SEVEN � Memphis 103, Denver 73
Memphis wins 4-3