Z. Randolph (MEM): 34 points (12-22 FG, 9-9 FT), 10 rebounds, 3 steals
M. Gasol (MEM): 20 points (9-11 FG), 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks
The dynamic front court duo for the Grizzlies was on top of their game yet again--this time against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the franchise's first appearance in the second round of the playoffs, the big guys for the Grizz went off on Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka. They combined for 54 points on 21-33 from the floor. That's 63.6% from the floor, to go along with 23 rebounds. Gasol also managed four assists and three blocks, while Randolph pitched in defensively with three steals. It was truly a complete performance from those two, who were also key to defeating Tim Duncan and the Spurs in the first round. Gasol's defense on Perkins was incredibly impressive as well. After shooting 51.5% from the floor since coming over from the Celtics, Perkins was held to two points on 1-3 shooting, making him a virtual non-entity on the offensive end. That Gasol was able to shut down Perkins offensively and then overpower him on the other end of the floor (9-11 shooting from the field) is a testament to how much he's progressed since coming over from the Lakers in a trade for his big brother, Pau. Not to be outdone, Randolph was also a huge presence inside, getting to the line nine times, hitting all of his free throws, and grabbing four offensive rebounds. This pair of big men has truly been a force to be reckoned with in the postseason thus far, and they show no signs of letting up.
Honorable Mentions:
D. Wade (MIA): 38 points (14-21 FG, 8-9 FT), 5 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks
If anyone still thought that the Miami Heat were LeBron's team, hopefully last night's game put that to rest. Dwyane Wade demolished the Boston Celtics in Game One, helping the Heat take a 1-0 series lead on the strength of his 38 points. The Celtics allowed a league-low 91.1 points per game during the regular season, but the Heat rang up 99 on them last night, and D-Wade was responsible for 38.3% of them. With a plus-8 +/- rating (compared to LeBron's +1), Wade shot 14-21 (66.7%) from the floor and 8-9 from the free throw line. His remarkable efficiency did not end there, as the former Marquette star picked up three steals while only turning the ball over twice. By comparison, LeBron turned the ball over three times to go with only two steals. While King James cost his team one possession, D-Wade created a possession for the Heat, and he took advantage with his sharpshooting all night long. Now, can you really tell me this isn't Dwyane Wade's team?
R. Paulino (NYM): 5-7, 2B, Game-winning RBI @ Phillies
In his first start of the season--after being delayed by visa issues, then the tail end of a PED suspension, then severe anemia, and then a pulled oblique muscle--Ronny Paulino had a big game for the struggling Mets. Looking to avoid a sweep against the division rival Phillies, the Mets left 18 runners on base over 14 innings. Though the Mets were only 1-16 with runners in scoring position for the game, that one hit was huge. Paulino, the only player to get seven at-bats in the game, made his last one count by stroking a run-scoring double to left-center. His five hits set a new franchise record for the most hits by a Met in their first start with the team. The previous record had been four, but Ronny Paulino's big night saw him get five hits in his first Mets start, throw out two Phillies runners trying to steal second base, and then drive in the game-winning run in the top of the 14th inning. Quite a night.
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| Randolph (L) abused Perkins (R) in Game One |
Honorable Mentions:
D. Wade (MIA): 38 points (14-21 FG, 8-9 FT), 5 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks
If anyone still thought that the Miami Heat were LeBron's team, hopefully last night's game put that to rest. Dwyane Wade demolished the Boston Celtics in Game One, helping the Heat take a 1-0 series lead on the strength of his 38 points. The Celtics allowed a league-low 91.1 points per game during the regular season, but the Heat rang up 99 on them last night, and D-Wade was responsible for 38.3% of them. With a plus-8 +/- rating (compared to LeBron's +1), Wade shot 14-21 (66.7%) from the floor and 8-9 from the free throw line. His remarkable efficiency did not end there, as the former Marquette star picked up three steals while only turning the ball over twice. By comparison, LeBron turned the ball over three times to go with only two steals. While King James cost his team one possession, D-Wade created a possession for the Heat, and he took advantage with his sharpshooting all night long. Now, can you really tell me this isn't Dwyane Wade's team?
R. Paulino (NYM): 5-7, 2B, Game-winning RBI @ Phillies
In his first start of the season--after being delayed by visa issues, then the tail end of a PED suspension, then severe anemia, and then a pulled oblique muscle--Ronny Paulino had a big game for the struggling Mets. Looking to avoid a sweep against the division rival Phillies, the Mets left 18 runners on base over 14 innings. Though the Mets were only 1-16 with runners in scoring position for the game, that one hit was huge. Paulino, the only player to get seven at-bats in the game, made his last one count by stroking a run-scoring double to left-center. His five hits set a new franchise record for the most hits by a Met in their first start with the team. The previous record had been four, but Ronny Paulino's big night saw him get five hits in his first Mets start, throw out two Phillies runners trying to steal second base, and then drive in the game-winning run in the top of the 14th inning. Quite a night.
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