NBA – Venezuela’s Vasquez rises to the occasion as Griz finish off Spurs

MEMPHIS (NBA) – The Memphis Grizzlies weren’t happy with just stopping the rot and winning a playoff game for the first time in club history.

They made a loud statement about the club’s post-season ambition by finishing off the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 with a 99-91 triumph.

The Spurs, despite owning the best record in the NBA’s Western Conference during the regular season with 61 wins and 21 defeats, were no match for the Grizzlies, who face Oklahoma City in the next stage.

Zach Randolph had 31 points and 11 rebounds and Spain’s Marc Gasol added 12 points and 12 boards as the Grizzlies officially became this year’s surprise package in the NBA.

Even without injured Team USA star Rudy Gay for the end of the campaign, the Grizzlies have shocked the league, and the basketball world.

The player that really made people sit up and take notice in Game 6 was Venezuela’s Greivis Vasquez, the former college star with the Maryland Terrapins.

Vasquez had to enter the contest early after starting point guard Mike Conley picked up two quick fouls.

“I’ve been waiting for this chance for a while,” Vasquez said.

“I have so much I need to learn. This was a good opportunity to learn and to play my game.”

After playing just four minutes in each of the first two games, seven in Game 3, 13 in Game 4 and 10 in Game 5, the guard played 23 minutes in Game 6 and made the most of the opportunity by drilling four off eight shots and finishing with 11 points.

“I give Greivis the game ball,” Conley said.

“He did a great job of being poised, especially for a rookie. This was the biggest game he’s seen and for him to come in and handle the ball without turning it over, it was unbelievable to see him.”

The 24-year-old should feature for Venezuela this summer at the FIBA Americas Championship in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

Memphis and the Thunder were to meet in Game 1 of their Western Conference Semi-Finals showdown on Sunday in Oklahoma City.

FIBA