The playoffs are often thought of as a fresh start after the gruelling grind of the regular season, but Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinal series between the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers looked more like an extension of their lopsided season series.
The Grizzlies, who swept the four-game season series by an average of over eight points per game, cruised to a 100-86 victory on Sunday in a game that was far more one-sided than even the final 14-point spread can attest.
Turning Point
The Grizzlies pushed their lead to 29 late in the third quarter, but the game's true turning point came when reserve guard Beno Udrih checked into the game with 3:48 remaining in the first quarter and Memphis up 12-8.
Udrih put together what was likely the best stretch of basketball he's played this season, pouring in 13 points, three assists and three rebounds over an eight-minute run that saw the Grizzlies extend their lead to 38-22 before Mike Conley checked back in for Udrih at the 7:31 mark of the second quarter.
Star Performer
In a series that features stars like Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Mike Conley, Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge, it was Udrih who stole the show in Game 1.
The 32-year-old finished with 20 points, seven assists and seven rebounds on 9-of-14 shooting, with no turnovers to the point guard's name in 24 minutes.
Aldridge, Gasol and Randolph all had more impressive stat lines, but the trio of bigs combined to shoot 26-of-69, while Udrih's spark helped the Grizzlies run away with the game.
Highlight Reel
The Grizzlies' Game 1 domination and all-around mood in two videos:
The actual play of the game came courtesy of Jeff Green's off-balance, one-touch dime to Courtney Lee for three:
Series at a Glance
Game 1: Grizzlies 100, Trail Blazers 86
Game 2: Wednesday, April 22, 7:00 p.m. ET
Game 3: Saturday, April 25, 10:30 p.m. ET
Game 4: Monday, April 27, 10:30 p.m. ET
Game 5: Wednesday, April 29, TBD
Game 6: Friday, May 1, TBD
Game 7: Sunday, May 3, TBD
