Grizzlies News and Features Feed Informer http://feed.informer.com/images/fd.gif http://feed.informer.com/ http://app.feed.informer.com/digest3/E5SC6MTYV5.html Respective post owners and feed distributors http://feed.informer.com/ The Grizzlies signed free agent guard Jamaal Tinsley, an original draft pick of the club in 2001, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announce http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies_sign_jamaal_tinsley_091114.html?rss=true NBA.com: Grizzlies News http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies_sign_jamaal_tinsley_091114.html?rss=true? Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:49 GMT The win snapped a seven game losing streak for the Grizzlies and brought their record to 2-8. The loss dropped the Timberwolves to 1-10. As the teams’ starting lineups hit the floor it was hard to believe that the Grizzlies entered the game along with the Timberwolves in the single win club.  Without Al Jefferson, who was not with the team because of personal reasons, and Kevin Love, who is out with a fractured hand, on paper the Timberwolves seemed like a team custom delivered to the Grizzlies to help them get off the their current slide. What looked like an ideal matchup on paper didn’t prove to be too fruitful in the early going when the Grizzlies fell behind 15-7 in the first.  Matters appeared to get worse when O.J. Mayo picked up two quick fouls, but his replacement, Sam Young, provided the Grizzlies with a spark in his absence.  Young notched the first two baskets of an 18-8 run to end the quarter that gave the Grizzlies a 25-23 lead after one. The Grizzlies were unable to carry the momentum over to the second and found themselves locked in a see-saw battle with the Timberwolves in which neither team lead by more than four in the quarter.  One of the reasons the Grizzlies were unable to separate themselves from Minnesota was their inability to control the paint in the first half, an area that they had dominated through the first nine games of the year.  Marc Gasol played brilliantly in the first half, going 5-of-5 from the field to go along with 10 rebounds, but the Timberwolves still outscored the Grizzlies 28-26 in the paint.  A big part of the early difference in the paint was the fact that the Timberwolves held Zach Randolph to two first half points on 0-of-5 from the field. Tied at 45 apiece to start the second half, the Grizzlies knew that the third quarter would tell the tale of the game, much like it had in each of their previous nine contests.  Coming into tonight the Grizzlies had been outscored in the third quarter in eight of nine games, three of which were by a double digit margin.  Tonight the Grizzlies not only avoided their dreaded third quarter swoon that they fallen trap to this season but excelled.  The Grizzlies found a way to maintain their focus in the third, and as a result, forced turnovers, created extra opportunities by hammering the offensive glass and pushed the ball in transition.  In the third the Grizzlies forced four turnovers resulting in eight fast break points and hustled their way to five offensive boards in the quarter to take a 68-83 lead into the final stanza.  With the third quarter behind them and a five point lead, the Grizzlies played loose and confident to start the fourth.  Memphis pushed their lead to double digits for the first time of the game at the 8:22 mark on an old-fashioned three point play from Young that gave the Grizzlies a 79-67 advantage. From there they would maintain a double digit edge for much of the fourth quarter until the Timberwolves made a quick 7-0 run in less than 60 seconds to cut it to 87-80 with just over two minutes remaining. The Grizzlies responded with a confidence and tenacity that had been lacking at times this season when DeMarre Carroll connected on a tough layup and Randolph tipped in another to push the Grizzlies lead back to double digits and secure the win. Gasol finished with 17 points on 8-of-8 from the field to go along with a career-high tying 16 rebounds before fouling out in the fourth.  Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo each had 19 points to lead the Grizzlies.  Sam Young also provided the Grizzlies bench with a nice scoring punch with 15 points of his own.  Corey Brewer led the short handed Timberwolves with 16 points, with Ryan Hollins chipping in 15 points of his own. http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/tumbleson/comments/recap_timberwolves_091114/ Grizz Blogs http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/tumbleson/comments/recap_timberwolves_091114/? Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:07 GMT Tonight’s matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves will give the Grizzlies an opportunity to start correcting the wrongs that have been plaguing them thus far and start moving forward as the team on the rise that everyone expected them to be.  How can they do that?  Playing with intensity from start to finish on both sides of the floor would be a start for the Grizzlies.  As tough as a 1-8 start is to swallow, it is undeniable that this team has shown signs of what may be to come.  They can score, as evident by their six straight games at 100 or more points.  Take a look at their last couple of contests and one can see that they can keep their opponents scoring down.  The thing that they are still trying to figure out is how to put the two together and play with effort for 48 minutes.  The talent is there and the opportunity to win games is right in front of this team, they just have to go out and get it.  They’ll have an ample opportunity to do just so tonight against the Timberwolves, who are struggling with a handful of problems of their own at 1-8 and without their star player, Al Jefferson, for the next two contests. Here are a few things to watch for in tonight’s contest… Know your opponent:  Last season three of the Timberwolves 24 wins came against the Grizzlies, giving them a season sweep of the gang from 191 Beale Street.  At this point in the Grizzlies’ team development, getting swept in a season series against the likes of a Boston, San Antonio or Los Angeles Lakers is understandable, but to drop every contest to the likes of a team that is in a similar building phase is something that the Grizzlies can’t allow if they hope to improve.  On paper the Grizzlies are the better team right now, and need to prove it tonight against the Timberwolves. Field Day:  It isn’t hard to argue that the strength of the Grizzlies this year has been the combined play of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph on the block.  Tonight Timberwolves starters Kevin Love and Al Jefferson will both be out, leaving the frontcourt duties to Ryan Hollins and Nathan Jawai.  Should be a big night for the Grizzlies bigs. Matchup of the night:  Mike Conley’s matchup with Jonny Flynn tonight could be the key to the game.  Flynn has proven to be more than just insurance for the Ricky Rubio situation for Minnesota.  He’s third amongst rookies in scoring at nearly 15 points per game, and with his combination of athleticism and power despite his small stature, is a foundation piece for the Timberwolves.  Conley has struggled lately and needs to prove that he is more of the player who came on at the end of last season under Lionel Hollins’ tutelage than the one who has struggled through the first nine games of this season.  Conley isn’t going to be quicker than Flynn, but he can take the opportunity to set up Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol against the Timberwolves depleted from line. Stat of the Night: At 1-8, the Grizzlies are looking to avoid tying the club’s worst start through ten games since the 2002-03 season, when the team lost its first 13 games. http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/tumbleson/comments/grizzlies_hope_to_get_on_track_tonight_against_minnesota/ Grizz Blogs http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/tumbleson/comments/grizzlies_hope_to_get_on_track_tonight_against_minnesota/? Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:59 GMT I’ll be doing live tweets from tonight’s Grizz-Timberwolves game at FedExForum. You can follow me on twitter at the following link, or you can see my most recent tweet on the right side of this page. http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php/avis/comments/live_twittering_from_november_14_grizzlies-timberwolves_game/ Grizz Blogs http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php/avis/comments/live_twittering_from_november_14_grizzlies-timberwolves_game/? Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:12 GMT http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/feature/comments/grizz_growls_a_day_in_the_life_of_grizz/ Grizz Blogs: featured story http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/feature/comments/grizz_growls_a_day_in_the_life_of_grizz/? Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:20 GMT http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/feature/comments/grizz_growls_a_day_in_the_life_of_grizz/ Grizz Blogs: featured story http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/feature/comments/grizz_growls_a_day_in_the_life_of_grizz/? Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:20 GMT The NBA announced that Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay, center Marc Gasol and guards O.J. Mayo and Allen Iverson will appear on the ballot for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. The annual event will take place Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/mayo_iverson_gay_all_star_ballot-091110.html?rss=true NBA.com: Grizzlies News http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/mayo_iverson_gay_all_star_ballot-091110.html?rss=true? Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:31 GMT http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/tv_companion-091111.html?rss=true NBA.com: Grizzlies News http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/tv_companion-091111.html?rss=true? Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:31 GMT When the Grizzlies are on the road, don`t sit at home. Gather your friends and meet Grizzlies fans for a night of fun at a Bud Light Watch Party! Watch top-notch NBA action and win some great priz http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/watchparties.html?rss=true NBA.com: Grizzlies News http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/watchparties.html?rss=true? Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:31 GMT http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies_waive_gilder-0901105.html?rss=true NBA.com: Grizzlies News http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlies_waive_gilder-0901105.html?rss=true? Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:31 GMT http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizz_exercise_options_conley_mayo_arthur-091029.html?rss=true NBA.com: Grizzlies News http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizz_exercise_options_conley_mayo_arthur-091029.html?rss=true? Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:31 GMT The Grizzlies didn’t get to enjoy the comforts of home for too long, as they are back on the road tonight for a date with the Houston Rockets.  The Grizzlies will be charged with the task of snapping their current six game losing streak, which is no small order against a balanced Houston team.  The Rockets suffered a disappointing loss to the Mavericks last night, so the Grizzlies can expect a refocused group who is looking to get back on track themselves.  Tonight’s game represents the Grizzlies first contest against a Southwest Division opponent.  Last season the Grizzlies finished 5-11 against Southwest Division foes, but 2-2 against the Rockets.  Here are a few things to watch for in tonight’s game… Defense makes an appearance: Despite last night’s frustrating loss, the Grizzlies showed marked improvement on the defensive side of the ball, which was a glaring weakness on their five game road swing.  The Grizzlies held the Blazers to 93 points last night, marking the first time since opening night that Grizzlies had held their opponent under 100 points.  Now if the Grizzlies could have just reproduced the same offensive efficiency that they had in the previous six games, scoring 100 or more points in at least six consecutive games for only the third time in franchise history, they would have been in business.  Even though it doesn’t show it in the win-loss column, the Grizzlies have proved early in the season that they are very talented on offense, and also have the ability to be a productive defensive team.  If the Grizzlies can figure out a way to bring the same effort on both sides of the floor they’ll give themselves an opportunity to string together some wins. Stepping stone:  The Rockets were a team that coming into the season the Grizzlies realistically had their sights set on surpassing in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.  The Grizzlies came into the year with the buzz of a young team on the rise and key additions that were to shore up holes from previous seasons.  The Rockets were a team of solid, if unspectacular role players who were missing their two top players in Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady because of injury.  Sure the Rockets had quality players, but the Grizzlies roster is filled with dynamic players who can seemingly win a game by themselves.  Passing the Rockets to get out of the bottom of a stacked division would have been seen as a major step in the building process for the Grizzlies.  The mighty Spurs and revamped Mavericks might have still been a year or so away for the Grizzlies, but the Rockets, well, the Grizzlies seemed to be approaching their league.  Unfortunately, with the Grizzlies at 1-7 and the Rockets at 4-3, early indications are that the Grizzlies aren’t quite to the Rockets level yet.  It is still very early in the 2009-10 campaign to define a season, but the Grizzlies are going to have to show improvements if they hope to get out of the bottom of the division.  Facing off against the Rockets tonight will give the Grizzlies a great opportunity to prove that they have the talent to make moves in the division.  Skeleton Group: The Grizzlies are not even to the ten-game mark on the season, and they’re already dealing with a decimated roster.  Their front line that was already missing Darrell Arthur took another hit last night with the loss of Hasheem Thabeet.  With Allen Iverson away from the team the Grizzlies are also lacking another one of their myriad of offensive weapons.  The remaining Grizzlies will need to rally together and play efficient basketball on both ends of the floor because they will likely have to play extended minutes.  Matchup of the night: This will actually be more like the matchups of the night, as the Grizzlies front line pair of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph should be able to have a heyday tonight against the Rockets starting frontcourt of Luis Scola and Chuck Hayes.  Scola and Hayes are quality players, but are undersized and don’t possess the same gifts on the offensive end as Gasol and Randolph, which should be a huge advantage for the Grizzlies tonight. http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/tumbleson/comments/preview_rockets_091111/ Grizz Blogs http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/tumbleson/comments/preview_rockets_091111/? Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:49 GMT In dropping a 93-79 decision to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Memphis Grizzlies reverted to a troubling trend of one-on-one basketball. The Grizzlies recorded just 11 assists on the night on 29 made field goals (38%) and only four assists after a first half that saw the Grizzlies and Blazers even at 45. Portland meanwhile, recorded 20 assists on 32 baskets (63%). Winning on a consistent basis at the NBA level requires execution, teamwork, attention to detail and leadership. The Grizzlies, by any measure the youngest and least experienced team in the NBA, show that inexperience with questionable shot selection, one-on-one basketball and a sometimes-tenuous grasp of team principles on both ends of the floor. After a gritty first-half effort that saw the Grizzlies dominate in the paint (+14 points) and on the fast break (a 9-0 edge) while frustrating Portland’s offense by forcing ten turnovers – five of them Memphis steals – the Grizzlies managed just 38 points in their weakest offensive half of the season. The second half also saw Portland get its transition game going, outscoring Memphis 10-4 on the break while harassing the Grizzlies into 31% shooting with seven turnovers and four assists. Tonight, Memphis faces a Houston team without Yao Ming or Tracy McGrady and is doing just fine offensively (8th in scoring at 104.1 points per game). A major reason why the Rockets score the ball so well is because they get easy baskets. Houston is one of the best steal teams in the league and top 5 in converting opponents turnovers into points. The turnover story will most likely tell the tale of tonight’s game. Otherwise, both the Rockets and Grizzlies have a similar profile: good offense, great rebounding, decent transition game but porous defense. Houston will also be smarting from dropping a 17-point first-half lead on the road at division rival Dallas. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies need to find something on which to hang their hat on both ends of the floor. Tonight’s game will also present a challenge for Mike Conley, who must face off against gifted Rockets guard Aaron Brooks. One final note: the injury to Hasheem Thabeet appears to be less serious than first thought. Initially, it appeared Thabeet’s jaw was broken which would have resulted in wiring his jaw shut. Further examination revealed that the fracture was not in the jaw itself, but where the teeth connect with jaw. After some serious dental work, it’s possible that Thabeet could be back this weekend. http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php/pranica/comments/gameday_in_houston_look_back_look_ahead/ Grizz Blogs http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php/pranica/comments/gameday_in_houston_look_back_look_ahead/? Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:30 GMT Much like the five game road trip that they had just returned from, the Grizzlies played well in spots, hanging with the Blazers for two and a half quarters before a 13-2 run in the third gave the Blazers an advantage that Memphis could not recover from. The Grizzlies inability to recreate the same offensive continuity they had seen since the second game of the year would be their undoing tonight.  Memphis came into the night sixth in scoring at 105.9 points per game and ninth in field goal percentage at .474 but fell far short of those numbers tonight. The Grizzlies opened strong, as they had in each of their road contests, with all five of their starters reaching the scoring column in the early goings.  Despite the Grizzlies early success the Blazers, who tipped off a five game road trip of their own tonight, connected on eight of first nine shots proving that although they were home, the defensive struggles that they had encountered on their road trip had not been left on the flight back from California early in the night.  LaMarcus Aldridge did most of the damage early for the Blazers, tallying 10 first quarter points to help Portland get out to a 24-21 advantage. The Grizzlies suffered a major blow to their frontcourt depth with less than a minute to go in the first when Hasheem Thabeet was knocked to the floor with what appeared to be some sort of head injury.  After coming to his senses Thabeet went to the locker room to be diagnosed with a fractured jaw.  Thabeet will be out for tomorrow’s game against the Rockets, with no timetable established for his return.  The Grizzlies opened the second frame with a 7-0 run that continued to show the positives that this team posses when focused and sharing the ball.  Not only did the Grizzlies continue their offensive efficiency in the second, the Grizzlies played with a greater effort on the defensive side of the ball than they had in each of the seven games that had preceded. By mixing up zones and man-to-man defense in the second the Grizzlies were able to hold the Blazers to 6-of-17 in the quarter, and possibly even more impressively, hold the Blazers two stalwarts, Brandon Roy and Aldridge to only five combined points in the quarter. Tied at 45 to start the second half the Grizzlies and Blazers went back and forth through the first four and a half minutes of the quarter before a Steve Black three-pointer ignited the game-changing 13-2 run. Adding to the run was former No. 1 pick Greg Oden, who made his presence felt in the game for the first time in the third quarter, contributing on a follow up slam early and another follow tip at the 4:13 mark in the third that gave the Blazers their first double digit lead of the contest at 65-55.  The Grizzlies chipped into lead right away in the fourth, cutting the lead to 69-63 on a pair of Hamed Haddadi free-throws at the 11:15 mark, but Rudy Fernandez answered with a three that was followed by an Oden alley-oop dunk and block at the other end helped to re-establish the Blazers and put the Grizzlies away for good. Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with 20 points to go along with eight rebounds, while O.J. Mayo added 17 points in the losing effort.  Roy had 20 points and seven assists to lead the Blazers. http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/tumbleson/comments/recap_blazers_091110/ Grizz Blogs http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/tumbleson/comments/recap_blazers_091110/? Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:17 GMT It was nice to be back in FedExForum after a weeklong west coast trip saw the Grizzlies lose some close ones. Unfortunately, the friendly confines of Memphis couldn’t help the Grizz overcome a poor shooting night in a 93-79 loss to the Blazers. Here’s my thoughts: Bad shooting can happen to anyone and to any team. It’s like a cold. Tonight, the Grizzlies caught it. They weren’t taking bad shots. They just weren’t hitting, whether it was an OJ Mayo 3-pointer or a Zach Randolph putback. The ball just wasn’t going in, especially during a crucial Portland run in the 3rd quarter. Other than Marc Gasol, no one sniffed close to shooting 50%. I’d call this can an anomaly, not a trend. When it rains, you get your jaw broken. I think that’s how the saying goes. Hasheem Thabeet had barely entered the game before having to leave with an injury. The early report is a broken jaw. If so, what a blow to both the Grizz and their prized lottery pick. If you are keeping score at home, both the number 1 and 2 picks from the 2009 draft have been hurt. Watch out James Harden! The Blazers really weren’t that impressive but sometimes it doesn’t matter. Portland seemed to do just enough to win. Greg Oden also gave them a boost in the 2nd half with a few dunks. Portland employed a new defensive strategy against Memphis, double-teaming the post. Both Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph had extra players doubling them when they had the ball near the paint. The spacing didn’t seem quite right tonight. I’m sure this is something the coaching staff will address and adjust before tomorrow night’s game @ Houston. The Grizz shot poorly, the Blazers didn’t. I hate to be over simplistic, but that’s how I saw it. Here’s to hoping the Grizz takeoff in Houston tomorrow night. http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php/avis/comments/portland_spoils_the_grizzlies_return_to_fedexforum_93-79/ Grizz Blogs http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php/avis/comments/portland_spoils_the_grizzlies_return_to_fedexforum_93-79/? Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:08 GMT As great as the team looked on the offensive side of things, moving the ball, attacking the rim, getting out on the fast break and creating extra opportunities by rebounding the basketball, their struggles on the defensive side of the ball nullified these positives, resulting in an 0-5 trip.  The Grizzlies will need to rededicate themselves to the defensive side of the ball now that they are back in Memphis, and channel the defensive intensity that they exhibited at the end of the 2008-09 season under Lionel Hollins.  Applying an improved defensive focus against the Portland Trail Blazers might be a tall order for the Grizzlies, considering the fact that many prognosticators had the Blazers as high as the third seed in preseason Western Conference projections.  To stop the Blazers, the Grizzlies will need to concentrate on slowing down Brandon Roy first and foremost, as they’ve been burnt by their opponent’s top player multiple times in the early goings of the season.  The Grizzlies could be due for a win against the Blazers, considering the fact that they haven’t defeated Portland at home since December of 2005.  Here are a few things to watch for in tonight's game: Avoid the unthinkable: At 1-6 the Grizzlies are in a position that no one thought they would be in after all of the buzz surrounding the team leading into the season.  They are currently off to their worst start since the 2006-07 season when the team won just once in its first nine games.  This Grizzlies squad is far too talented with or without Allen Iverson to fall in the same kind of hole.  To pull themselvs out of their current funk, the Grizzlies will need to keep attacking on offense and on the rebounds like they have been, but will need to rededicate themselves to the defensive side of things.  They need to play help side defense and look out for each other's backs, or this team will struggle tonight against Portland. Stat of the night: In Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol the Grizzlies have the top rebounding duo in the NBA.  Randolph (10.7) and Gasol (11.9) are also the only teammates in league in the top ten in rebounding. Matchup of the night: O.J. Mayo is probably the Grizzlies most willing defender, so it has been surprising this season to see Richard Hamilton and Kevin Martin have big games against the Grizzlies star guard.  Mayo has a chance to reassert himself defensively against one of the top two-guards in the league in Brandon Roy.  Roy is having another All-NBA type of season, but if Mayo can limit his number of trips to the line he’ll have a chance of keeping his scoring number down.  If Mayo finishes with a point total that is near Roy tonight the Grizzlies should be in a good position for a win. http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/tumbleson/comments/blazers_091110/ Grizz Blogs http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/tumbleson/comments/blazers_091110/? Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:48 GMT Where Are the Grizzlies? A week ago, the Memphis Grizzlies left Tennessee with a 1-1 record in their pocket and a five-game road trip with three very winnable games (Sacramento, Golden State and the Clippers) on the agenda. A week later, five losses, four lost double-digit leads and three 40-point scorers in Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Martin and Kobe Bryant. Where are the Grizzlies? First off, they have a long way to go defensively. The effort was better against the Lakers than it had been in previous games, but the Clipper game was a sobering reminder that the paint must be protected against all comers, not just the Lakers. Communication breakdowns on defense for a team as young as the Grizzlies are to be expected. Defense is about knowing your assignment and that of your teammates and trusting your teammates to be in the right place at the right time. If you haven't played together very long, communication and trust takes a while to develop. The other reality is that the Grizzlies don't have a top-level one-on-one defender. They have a roster full of young, live, athletic bodies—but those bodies need to commit themselves to doing the right thing defensively. On offense, the Grizzlies can flat out score, inside and out. They've posted the greatest increase in scoring average from last season to this (they've also posted the biggest dropoff in defensive efficiency, which is a major explanation for the 1-6 record so far). However, the turnover machine has to be shut down. The Grizzlies averaged 17.8 turns on this road trip. That's too high a number, but when you factor in that the Grizzlies (here's that defense thing again) forced only 12 turnovers per game on the trip, it's easy to see why the Grizzlies went 0-5 on the trip. You simply cannot give anyone—even the league's bottom-feeders—extra shots at the goal while derailing your own potent offense. The Grizzlies' shortcomings aren't ones that cannot be corrected, but it will take more time for this team to gel on both sides of the floor. Allen Iverson My take on the Iverson situation is this: he's requested time to deal with a personal issue. I have no idea what that issue is, but rather than spend time speculating on what might or might not be happening behind the scenes, let's just let it play out. Allen needs time, management granted him as much time as he feels he needs. Period. Amen. Allen Iverson can most certainly still play in the NBA, but he needs to have his mind right and the daily conversation surrounding him and his role with the Grizzlies has been, at least from where I sit, a distraction. The Grizzlies are a young team desperately fighting to develop an identity, but with Iverson missing most of camp and the first three games of the season with the hamstring injury, it has been an even bigger struggle than it might be otherwise. Lionel Hollins has, with the understandable exception of the Golden State game, kept his cool and is committed to getting the Grizzlies on the right road. He's giving his team the right message; it's up to the players to put it into action on the floor. http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php/pranica/comments/road_wrap/ Grizz Blogs http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php/pranica/comments/road_wrap/? Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:29 GMT While they have failed to win a game thus far on the trip this Grizzlies team is showing some very positive signs, but their inability to defend and carry an effort for a full 48 minutes has prevented them of cracking the win column on the trip.  The Grizzlies have played very well during spurts, as evident by the early first quarter leads that they jumped out to against the Nuggets, Kings and Warriors.  They led the Lakers last night at the half.  Their ability to consistently lead at different points in the game on a grueling road trip at the beginning of the season shows that the talent is there on this team to compete on a nightly basis, but it appears that this team is still figuring out how to carry that effort throughout the entire game.  They’ll get another chance to put together a 48 minute effort tonight against the Staples Center’s other tenant.  While the Clippers don’t carry the panache of the Lakers, they are a talented group that can’t be taken lightly by the Grizzlies.  If the Grizzlies can find a way to come away with a win tonight it will alleviate some of the frustrations from earlier in the trip, but if they struggle again, the flight back to Beale Street could be a long one. Here are a few things to watch for in tonight’s contest… No No. 1 vs. No. 2:  Tonight’s game should have been the first regular season matchup between No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin and No. 2 Hasheem Thabeet, but a knee injury to Griffin derailed the possible matchup.  While the Grizzlies understand that it might take some time to develop Thabeet, Griffin was expected to produce immediately for the Clippers, but now that vision gets a little murkier for a player whose game at this point in his career is based on explosiveness.  When he returns will Griffin revert to more of a developmental mode like Thabeet because a sliver of his athleticism has been compromised because of the injury?  Will he still be able to attack the rim with the ferocity that made him the top pick in the draft?  Hopefully Griffin returns fully healthy, but there have to be some concerns in Clipperland about how their prized rookie will come back.   Confidence game:  As the Grizzlies five game road trip winds down tonight, this matchup against the Clippers could be vital to the season moving forward.  At 1-5 the Grizzlies have plenty of time to turn things around and get back on the playoff track, but they best do it sooner rather than later.  The fact that they have struggled on a trip that includes three teams that will struggle to sniff the playoffs and another in the Lakers who was missing two of their top players is hard for the Grizzlies to swallow.  When they return to FedExForum things won’t get any easier, as a date with the Portland Trail Blazers looms.  That’s why they need to take advantage of a matchup with the Clippers tonight.  Cracking the win column on the road would be huge for this team, and help them get a little bit of the swagger back that we saw at the beginning of the trip. Matchup of the night: The key matchup of tonight’s game will come at the two guard spot, where O.J. Mayo will need to outplay his counterpart, Eric Gordon, if the Grizzlies hope to come away with a win.  Both Mayo and Gordon are deadly shooters, but Mayo plays a more complete floor game, which should help him win this matchup.  They have similar builds, so Mayo should fair better defensively against Gordon than he has against bigger guards like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Martin on this trip. Stat of the night:  Even though the Grizzlies have struggled on their recent trip, they have to be hoping that history is on their side tonight against the Clippers.  They are 28-26 all-time against the Clippers, making them one of only four teams in the NBA that the Grizzlies have a winning record against (Charlotte, Toronto, Washington). Discuss the game with fellow fans on the Fan Boards. http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/tumbleson/comments/clippers_09117/ Grizz Blogs http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/tumbleson/comments/clippers_09117/? Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:26 GMT Despite their struggles on the current road trip, the Grizzlies might be catching this Lakers team at the perfect time.  While the Lakers will most assuredly be in the hunt the entire season, they are by no means rolling on all cylinders, even though they currently at 4-1.  They are without the services of Pau Gasol and have been taken to overtime in each of their last two contests against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets.  They are still the Lakers, but they aren’t steamrolling quite yet, which makes this a perfect time for the Grizzlies to face them.  If the Grizzlies can find a way to come away with a win tonight in Los Angeles it would more than make up for the three disappointing losses that have come previously.  An argument could be made that if the Grizzlies pick up a win tonight it would make this is a successful trip no matter what happens the rest of the way.  To do so the Grizzlies will have to ramp up their defensive intensity, because the offense, rebounding and ball movement is as good as it has been in years for the Grizzlies.  Here are a few things to watch for in tonight’s game… The Kobe Conundrum:  The Grizzlies have had a hard time stopping people this season, so the prospect of seeing No. 24 on the other side isn’t exactly what the doctor ordered for a team still trying to figure out how to stop the top scorers on other teams.  So how do the Grizzlies slow down a player who will ultimately go down as one of the top five most explosive scorers in the history of game?  Right now the Grizzlies don’t have a lockdown one-on-one defender that they can throw at Bryant, so they have to rule that option out.  As time goes on DeMarre Carroll or Sam Young might develop into that role, but for now, if the Grizzlies hope to keep Kobe in the 20’s or even the 30’s for that matter they’ll need to play team defense and be efficient with their rotations to and from the former MVP.  If the Grizzlies can figure out a way to slow down Kobe tonight there will be no better defensive template for them to follow going forward.  Matchup of the Night:  As explosive as Bryant is, the key matchup for tonight’s game is at the small forward position, where Rudy Gay will have to do is best to not let Ron Artest take him out of his game.  Artest is one of the best defenders of his generation, and has been known to lock down an opponent and get underneath their skin to the point where it becomes difficult for the offensive player to operate, as evident by the clamps he threw on Joe Johnson last week.  Rudy cannot allow Artest to get to him tonight, and will need to go into the contest with an attacking mentality.  Artest is not as spry in one-on-one situations as he used to be, so if Gay can get the first step on him, he’ll be able to draw fouls on the Lakers bigs and keep the Grizzlies at the line, manufacturing points. Stat of the night:  The Grizzlies have been an offensive juggernaut in the early going this season, and as proof, are the only team in the NBA with three players who are averaging 20 or more points per contest.  While it might be a difficult clip to keep up, O.J. Mayo (20.6), Rudy Gay (20.4) and Zach Randolph (20.2) are all averaging 20+ points.  Currently there are only three other teams (Lakers, Nuggets and Raptors) who even have two players who are averaging 20+ points.  http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/tumbleson/comments/grizzlies_hoping_for_blockbuster_win_against_lakers_tonight/ Grizz Blogs http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php?/tumbleson/comments/grizzlies_hoping_for_blockbuster_win_against_lakers_tonight/? Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:01 GMT I love blog comments for a few reasons. One, it lets me know people are reading. Two, it lets me know what people care about. People don’t leave a comment on a blog about a subject they don’t care about. The comments on this blog have mostly revolved around Allen Iverson, and specifically, that Iverson should start. I’ve had a few back-and-forths in the comments about this, but wanted to tackle the subject in depth. Plus, what better way to get comments than to write about A.I. So The Answer is coming off the bench much to the displeasure of him and his rabid fanbase. Here’s my take on the situation. Just because you think Mike Conley should start over Allen Iverson does not mean that you think Conley is better than A.I. I think that’s the biggest misnomer about coming off the bench. Everyone assumes that the 5 best players on a team start and that the bench is comprised of lesser talent. To a degree, this is correct. The best players usually start, but there are exceptions. One of the reasons that players like Jason Terry and Manu Ginobili come off the bench is very clear; the 2nd unit needs scoring. While Manu and JET start the game on the bench, they still get their shots and their minutes. It’s simply a matter of distributing some of the scoring load and some of the talent between the first and second teams. No one is saying that Michael Finley and Quinton Ross are better than Manu and Terry. It’s simply a strategy to keep points going up on the board throughout the game. I’ve never understand the fascination with starting. I’ll let Ben Gordon tackle this, “I'm a basketball player, and I might not get you in the beginning, but I'm gonna get you at the end,” he said Thursday. “It really doesn't matter if I'm out there from the start. It's never gonna affect the way I approach the game.” And that should be the focus of Iverson and his fans. Can he approach the game the same way whether he starts or comes off the bench? Isn’t this what veterans do? Isn’t this what being a professional is all about? As Gordon mentions, “he’s gonna get you at the end.” This is a completely different focus. Whether a player starts doesn’t really matter. Ultimately, your best players should play the most minutes (even if the times in which they play are different) and your best players should, ideally, all be playing together at the end of a close game. For Iverson’s first two games, his minutes have been limited as he’s worked into the lineup and eased back from an injury. He’s played well so far and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him surpass Conley in minutes soon or play in crunch time. But Iverson has to also understand a certain component of playing on the Grizzlies. This team has made it clear that it is trying to develop its young talent (Gasol, Gay, Mayo and Conley). Regardless of how well Iverson plays, he will be splitting minutes with Mayo and Conley all year. Part of this is to develop the young talent and part of it is to keep an aging superstar healthy. One of the most curious parts of the Iverson situation so far is Iverson’s contention that he was successful as a starter in the past and thus, he should be a starter now. A statement like this says a lot about the fragile psychology of Iverson. He’s saying that because he performed well as a starter in his prime that he should continue to be a starter. He’s supposing that nothing has changed about his game. He’s comparing his 34-year-old self to his 24-year-old self. It’s clear that he doesn’t think anything has changed. And you know what, no one wants to grow old. It’s one of the most universal feelings. The sad reality of sports and is that 34 can seem old. Sports is one of the few, if any, places where this is the case.  And Iverson knows people think he’s growing old, cause in the sports world, he is. Now, growing old and being unable to play are different. Iverson isn’t washed up. However, psychologically, it seems as though Iverson equates coming off the bench as proof that he’s lost a step. It’s almost like he’s telling himself, “I’m good, and good players start.” He doesn’t want to admit that anything has changed about him, which I can sympathize with.  I’m not just saying that either. I know it’s not the same thing, but every time I step out onto the basketball court to play with friends I try and do all of things I did when I was 10 years younger and 40 lbs lighter. I don’t want to admit things have changed. Who does? But you know what, my best games are when I play within my limitations. For Iverson to do this, he has to admit his game has limitations. I’m not sure he’s capable of this self-realization given his comments and his reckless style of play. Iverson seems like the type of person that cares about his legacy. In a certain way, I think he wants to start because he cares about how his career is viewed. The irony of this is that Iverson’s public posturing about starting is hurting his legacy. He’s making a lot of people think he’s not a team player. I know he’d disagree and say that he simply thinks he’s giving the team the best chances to win by being on the court, but one of the most needed things on this Grizzlies team is a scorer for the 2nd unit. The Grizzlies need to have Gasol, Randolph, Gay, Mayo or Iverson come off the bench to help keep the 2nd unit afloat. Those that want Iverson to start ahead of Mike Conley are basically saying they want Mike Conley to shoot more since that’s what he’d be asked to do on a 2nd unit comprised of some combination of him, Sam Young, DeMarre Carroll Steven Hunter and Hasheem Thabeet. The reasons Iverson has been thrust into the 6th man role are quite simple. First, he was injured during training camp when the team was being assembled. His time to make his case as a starter was taken away. Second, by admitting the 2nd team needs a proven scorer leads one to ask, “who?” The proven scorers on this roster, as noted above, are Gasol, Randolph, Gay and Mayo. Marc Gasol is the least explosive scorer of the bunch. Zach Randolph is playing very well with Gasol right now and there isn’t a legitimate starting power forward option other than Z-Bo, at least until Darrell Arthur returns from injury. OJ Mayo couldn’t move to the bench for Iverson since an Iverson-Conley backcourt is too small. Rudy Gay could move to a 6th man type role but that would thrust Sam Young or DeMarre Carroll into the starting SF position. I could conceive of Carroll doing this if, and only if, Gay still logged the majority of minutes at the SF. The weird thing about saying that Iverson should come off the bench is that from the comments I’ve seen so far, people seem to think that means you don’t respect Iverson, or his game. People assume you’re a hater. But that’s not what I’m saying at all. I respect Iverson’s ability to scorer and to lead a unit. I’m simply asking him to do this for the 2nd unit for parts of the game. But to simply say, “Iverson should start over Conley” isn’t thinking about bench scoring whatsoever. Now, if one wanted to say, “Iverson should play more minutes than Conley” or “I think Iverson should finish games given his big-game experience and ability to create his own shot” well then, I’m all ears. Let the comments begin. http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php/avis/comments/the_curious_case_of_allen_iverson/ Grizz Blogs http://www.grizzliesonline.com/index.php/avis/comments/the_curious_case_of_allen_iverson/? Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:09 GMT