We know it: big comebacks are more and more common in the NBA. Latest example in San Antonio, overthrown by Memphis after having led by 29 points (84-55) in the third quarter.
The Grizzlies even came back from a nine-point deficit in the last minute of the fourth quarter to snatch overtime, and ultimately win.
“We met at half-time, we regrouped, we talked about it” explains Jaren Jackson Jr. to explain the start of his team. “We came back furious for the second half. If you fight long enough, you’ll end up making noise. »
Taylor Jenkins thus let his players talk about their failed first half in the locker room.
“It really started at half-time. We didn’t watch any videos. I just left the place to the players by asking them what they had to say. There are four or five guys who spoke, explaining that our first half was unacceptable. We were too laid back, we didn’t communicate, we didn’t execute our defensive coverage, we didn’t play physically, we didn’t trust each other passing. »
“We shouldn’t have lost that game. We were 30 points ahead, we shouldn’t have lost…”
After conceding 69 points in the first half, the Grizzlies will refocus to only concede 40 in the second, including only 16 in the last quarter.
Enough to erase the Nets’ 28-point comeback against the Celtics to sign the biggest comeback of the campaign. Obviously, on the Spurs side, the feeling was completely different…
“We have been competitive all year”railed a very frustrated Zach Collins. “We shouldn’t have lost that game. We were 30 points ahead, we shouldn’t have lost…”
More philosophical, Gregg Popovich was rather proud of his players.
“We got a little slack”concluded the Texan coach. “In the home stretch, they made shots, they made three 3-point shots in a row, we have to take our hats off to them for that. It was a great game. We learned a lot by fighting so hard. I’m proud of the players. They did a good job. »
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