Earlier today, TNT aired the first game of its playoff tripleheader as the Memphis Grizzlies took Game 1 of its Western Conference Quarterfinal series with San Antonio, 101-98. We have the quotage from the pre, post and halftime studio shows, plus game coverage as well.
Quote of the Day during TNT’s Pregame Show: “The Memphis Grizzlies are going to win this series.” – Charles Barkley
TNT NBA Tip-Off
Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley and Kenny SmithBarkley on the San Antonio Spurs being over-rated:
“I’ve told you San Antonio is over-rated. The Memphis Grizzlies are going to win this series. This is a bad match-up for the Spurs. If they [Memphis] can get some decent guard play the Grizzlies can win this series. “They [Memphis] lost games intentionally to get the Spurs.”Smith refuting Barkley’s prediction:
“Experience counts in the NBA. The Memphis Grizzlies’ track record is not ready to make that step [beating the Spurs].”**** **** **** ****
Game 1: Memphis Grizzlies (101) @ San Antonio Spurs (98). Memphis leads series 1-0.
Announcers: Matt Devlin, Kevin McHale, Marc Fein reporting.McHale on Memphis’ chances against the Spurs:
“I like them [Memphis]. I like their defense.”McHale on Memphis guard Darrell Arthur having to “play big” in order for Memphis to have a chance to win the series:
“Arthur is going to have to play very big if the Grizzlies are going to have a chance to beat the San Antonio Spurs. He’s a bench scorer, he’s athletic enough to guard [Matt] Bonner so I think you’re going to see Arthur play a big role when he comes in to spelling [Zach] Randolph or [Marc] Gasol.”**** **** **** ****
Halftime
Johnson, Barkley and SmithSmith on the Grizzlies outlook:
“Playoff basketball is about execution. With the Spurs, there is no hesitation. The difference in the playoffs is execution and that’s what it will come down to. That’s why the Spurs will win down the stretch.”Barkley on the New York Knicks chances against the Boston Celtics:
“The Knicks have no chance whatsoever.”**** **** **** ****
McHale on Memphis and being overlooked: “
A lot of people around the country don’t watch Memphis. They’re seeing what Memphis is all about – a tough, gritty team…they bang you in the paint, [get] steals, offensive rebound…Believe me, the Memphis Grizzlies are going to have a win, maybe two before this series is over.”McHale on the loss of Spurs guard Manu Ginobili and the effect his absence has on the Spurs at the end of games:
“How is it going to flow now [the ends of games]? I still wonder how the Spurs are going to close? I still think they’ll go to Timmy Duncan in the end.”**** **** **** ****
TNT’s Marc Fein interviewed Memphis forward Zach Randolph following the game:
Randolph on Memphis’ lack of experience:
“Our young guys have been playing great this whole season. They got [sic] confidence so give it up to the young guys…We came out and fought hard. This is just the beginning.”McHale’s thoughts on Grizzlies/Spurs extending:
“I anticipate San Antonio to come back. This is going to be a dogfight series. I can see this going six or seven games before this one is decided.”
There you go.
