Marc Gasol, who will become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end, is showcasing why he’s considered one of the elite players this summer’s market has to offer. The Grizzlies‘ big man seized control of the second quarter in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals series against the Warriors, Michael Cohen of the Commercial Appeal writes. Gasol played every second of the second quarter, scoring 12 points and grabbing five rebounds while missing only two shots from the field. Gasol, who was guarded by elite defender Draymond Green in the second quarter, finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds.
Here’s more out of Memphis:
- Tony Allen, who has two years remaining on his contract after the Grizzlies re-signed him in July 2013 to a four-year deal worth $20MM, wants to be remembered as one of the all-time elite defenders, Michael Wallace of ESPN.com writes in a lengthy profile of the veteran guard/forward. “When they talk about the Bruce Bowens, Dennis Rodmans and Michael Coopers, I want them to remember my name, too,” said Allen, who was named to the All-NBA Defensive first team in 2011/12 and 2012/13. “I’m not just playing this game to be average. I want to be elite. I think I am, and I’ve proven it this year. It’s all right to be acknowledged; nothing wrong with that.” Wallace adds that while Marc Gasol is the face of the franchise, it is Allen who resonates more with Memphis because of his blue-collar work ethic.
- Despite battling through several injuries, Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley has made things difficult for the Warriors’ Stephen Curry in the Western Conference semifinal series between the two teams, Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal writes. Conley’s five-year, $45MM extension back in November 2010 is widely considered more of a bargain than it was when he was initially inked to the deal. His contract is up after next season.