The Memphis Grizzlies host Golden State Warriors on Monday with an objective of taking a 3-1 lead in the best of seven western conference Playoffs semi-finals series.
With two losses on a trot, the Warriors are expected to come all guns blazing in game 4 at FedExForum for they are not a team acquainted with losing. They put up an amazing show during the regular season, where they finished atop of their conference with 67 wins and 15 losses.
It is these records that helped them receive the favourites tag coming into the playoffs as well, but they are currently trailing 2-1 against the Grizzlies, who had won 55 and lost 27 during the regular season.
The Grizzlies proved they are not going to make it easy for the conference toppers to get past them, as was witnessed in the third game with the game ending 99-89 in favour of the Grizzlies. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol had a good game with 22 and 21 points respectively.
If these Grizzlies' players come up with such performances in the series, it will be no surprise to see Warriors walk through the playoffs exit door.
''This was a huge win for our franchise, a huge win for our team,'' AP quoted Memphis coach Dave Joerger as saying. ''The crowd was fantastic.''
But the Grizzlies are aware that Warriors might have been hurt with such losses and they will come back strong in game 4.
Stephen Curry, who won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), despite scoring 23 points in the last game finished in the losing side and wants to play on a higher level in game 4.
''I have to play better for us to win games, especially on the road,'' Curry said.
''I hold myself to a high standard. I haven't reached it yet. So looking forward to the challenge of getting that level in Game 4, setting the tone and (it) could be a different outcome.''
The Warriors also need other players to rise to the occasion and not only Curry. If Klay Thompson and Curry get their range right, Warriors can stamp their authority over Grizzlies, who will be ready for whatever will be thrown at them.
''We understand what our strengths are, and of course at the end of games we're not going to panic,'' Grizzlies star player, Gasol said.
''We might not play great or we might not make the shot or we might make mistakes or we might get really slow. But we're going to stay in the moment. We're going to play the next possession always, and we got to try to get stops.''
Where to Watch Live
The NBA Playoffs semi-finals game 4 between Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors is scheduled for 9:30pm ET (7am IST, 2:30am BST) start.
Viewers in the US can watch the game live on TNT.
Indian viewers can watch it live on Sony Six.
NBA fans can also watch the Playoffs live on NBA.com
