The Memphis Grizzlies eliminated the San Antonio Spurs this Wednesday by defeating them 100-96 at the start of the ‘play in’ (repechage) of the NBA Western conference, which will play the playoffs against the Lakers or Warriors.
The Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas signed an imperial performance at the FedExForum in Memphis, with 23 points and 23 rebounds, while the stars of the Spurs had a night to forget in the launch, especially DeMar DeRozan (20 points with 5/21 in shooting field).
The Spurs are out of the playoffs for the second straight season after qualifying the previous 22 years. Gregg Popovich, who is serving 25 seasons on the Texas bench, has not confirmed whether he will continue in the role.
For their part, the Grizzlies, who finished the regular season in ninth place in the West, are still alive and will play for the playoffs on Friday.
His rival will be the loser of the other game of the ‘play in’ on Wednesday between the Los Angeles Lakers (7th place) and the Golden State Warriors (8th). (GG) (AFP)