Lionel Hollins, Grizzlies, Hope to Avoid Embarrassing Sweep Against Spurs
By Jason McIntyre
Does Lionel Hollins look like a beaten man to you? If not, look again. Take a third glance if necessary. This is the face of a man staring at a 3-0 deficit against San Antonio in the Western Conference Finals.
Memphis, which is only here because an injury to Russell Westbrook turned a mighty OKC team into a meek one, will either have its season end tonight at home, or extend the series to Game 5. No NBA team has ever lost a series after leading 3-0.
San Antonio has Tony Parker (20 ppg, 46 percent FGs), 37-year old Tim Duncan (24 points, 10 rebounds in the Game 3 overtime win), and of course, Gregg Poppovich, who is the best coach in the NBA.
Memphis? Great BBQ, a struggling Zach Randolph (12-for-40 in the series, 30 percent FGs), Beale Street and two more years of Tayshaun Prince for $14 million.