Can't win with Rudy, can't win without him

If you live long enough you will most likely encounter the feeling summed up in an age old saying: "Can't live with them, can't live without them". This slogan is synonymous with married couples, as the love that binds them and draws them closer is also the same divisive force that drives each other crazy at times. In plain English the slogan should read...."I need you, but the fact that I can't change you frustrates me to no end!!"(silent amen from all who have felt this way). As it is in relationships, the same also applies in sports. And Memphis Grizzlies fans are feeling that way today about our very own Rudy Gay. We can't win with him, but we can't win without him either.

If not for two last second misses by Gay, the Grizzlies would be up 3-0 over the Clippers and looking to sweep them out of the playoffs Monday night. Instead, the Grizzlies face a near must win game to avoid a 3-1 deficit. What's so maddening is the fact that without Rudy Gay playing lights out, the Grizzlies could very well be looking to avoid a sweep on Monday night themselves. Gay has carried the offensive load for Memphis all season and thus far in the playoffs. He just cant seem to bury that career defining buzzer beater. Or at the very least, a game winning one.

In all fairness, Gay shouldn't bear the brunt of the blame. I mean...it's only his third career playoff game right? WRONG! Fair or unfair, Rudy Gay is the star of this team and should be held to a higher standard. And it's not like we haven't seen this before from Rudy this season....

In back to back games Rudy Gay missed the game winning shot, but was bailed out by teammates. Dante Cunningham tipped in a Rudy Gay miss to edge Denver 103-102 on February 17. The very next night, Tony Allen tipped in a Rudy Gay game winning miss for a 104-103 victory against Golden State. Rudy Gay was the leading scorer in both games....anyone noticing a trend here?

Yes, Memphis fans know that we need Rudy to be Rudy to have a chance to win this series. We just pray that Rudy is not Rudy when we're down one and he has the last shot. So far we can't win with him, and can't win without him. Follow @plcolter