Through the Memphis Grizzlies' 3-1 first-round series edge against the Portland Trail Blazers, a clearer picture of the Grizzlies' postseason outlook may be gleaned.
The Grizzlies allowed the Blazers to linger in the series, as Portland took Game 4 at home 99-92 on Monday. That was due in part to Memphis' first-half bumbling and a premature removal of all starters by Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger in a 10-point game with eight minutes left that allowed the Blazers to seize momentum.
The short-run lineup of Jon Leuer, Jeff Green, Beno Udrih, Kosta Koufos and Vince Carter revealed one issue: Green might not be able to carry a bench lineup.