Memphis coach Lionel Hollins denies the Grizzlies chose the Spurs as a first-round opponent by sitting leading scorer and rebounder Zach Randolph and starting forward Tony Allen in the final two games.

Hollins directed his remarks directly to Tim Duncan.

“I just want to say this for Tim Duncan: We did not tank the season so we can get the San Antonio Spurs,” Hollins said. “In fact, my thought process had nothing to do with the San Antonio Spurs. It had to do with us being healthy coming into this series, whatever series it was going to be. I was only concerned about our health.

“I think Tim needed some motivation or something but if I had a choice of teams this definitely wouldn’t have been it. I would have taken Houston or something like that, that’s not in the playoffs.

“It was going to be one of those three teams that have been good all season long.

"I just want Tim to know that. Tim, we weren’t seeking you out.”