Blazers try to even series with Memphis

(SportsNetwork.com) - The Memphis Grizzlies will try for a 2-0 series lead Wednesday night when they host the Portland Trail Blazers for Game 2 at FedExForum.

The Grizzlies, who own homecourt advantage despite being the fifth seed because they had a better record than the Northwest Division-winning Blazers, topped Portland, 100-86, Sunday.

Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph anchored a tremendous defensive effort and Beno Udrih provided a spark off the bench to lead the Grizzlies to victory.

Gasol flashed his usual two-way dominance, finishing with 15 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Randolph spent most of the game bullying LaMarcus Aldridge on the block. He had 16 points and 11 boards.

"The only thing that matters now is the next one," said Gasol.

Udrih posted a playoff career-high 20 points and added seven rebounds and seven assists for Memphis, which held Portland to 33.7 percent shooting.

"(Udrih) likes to make plays," added Gasol. "And we needed that. Happy for him. More happy for us because we could definitely use him."

Mike Conley missed the final four games of the regular season with a foot injury, but he returned and contributed 16 points in 24 minutes for the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies were never really challenged, leading 25-15 after one quarter and extending that lead to 21 points following two Randolph free throws just before halftime.

The second half was more of the same. Nicolas Batum, who played through a bruised right knee, hit from deep to pull Portland within 16 and force a Memphis timeout four minutes in, but the Grizzlies responded with nine straight points to regain control.

It was 86-62 after three quarters, and Portland's reserves got hot late in the game to make the final score closer.

Aldridge led the Blazers with 32 points and 14 rebounds but missed 21 field goals and finished with more shots (34) than points.

"It was the first game, and a lot of (my teammates) haven't been in a playoff game," said Aldridge. "It's about going to the film, learning from the things we didn't do and coming back better."

Portland's other All-Star, Damian Lillard, also had a forgettable game from the floor, shooting 5-for-21 for 14 points.

Arron Afflalo missed Game 1, and the final three games of the regular season, with a shoulder strain. He is hoping to be back for Game 2, although no guarantees.

"I'm definitely progressing, for sure," Afflalo told The Oregonian Tuesday. "Made a lot of progress ... but I can't give you a 100 percent certainty for tomorrow. But I'm pushing as much as I can."

Game 3 will be Saturday night in Portland.