Grizzlies 128, Suns 103

No, that's not a typo. The Memphis Grizzlies really did beat the mighty Phoenix Suns by 25 points last night. In a game that wasn't even that close, the Grizz shot a sizzling 53% (including 53% from downtown) and simply out-rebounded, out-hustled, and out-played Phoenix to pick up the victory. Although there are many things that can be said about last night's game, I have but three.

• With the win, the Grizzlies are now owners of a .500 record (16-16). For most things in life, 50% usually isn't very good. A 50% mark in academics means failure. Sports teams don't go into games proclaiming to "give 50% out there." Win 50% of your games in the MLB and you can forget about the postseason. Win 50% of your games in the NFL and you might slip into the playoffs if you're lucky. For the Memphis Grizzlies, however, 50% is an accomplishment. The Grizz haven't been at or above .500 this late in the season since the playoff run of 2005-2006. How did this happen? After a 1-8 start, the Grizzlies have won 15 of 23 and have moved ahead of New Orleans for the 10th spot in the Western Conference. To make the playoffs, the Grizz will have to move their way up to the 8th spot in the West. Compared to teams that stand in their way (Oklahoma City, Utah, Houston), the Grizzlies have the best record over the last 10 games. If they can keep these winning ways alive, the words of Coach Jim Mora ("Playoffs?!?! Don't talk about playoffs! You kiddin' me? Playoffs?!?!") don't seem so farfetched.
• In putting up 125 points against the Suns, the Grizzlies moved into 5th place in the NBA in total offense. Averaging just over 104 points per game, the Grizzlies have developed into an exciting, fast-paced team. Just last season, the Grizz averaged an NBA-second-to-last 93.9 points per game. The more sobering statistic: in giving up 103 points, the Grizzlies are now the 25th-best defensive team in the NBA and give up an average of 104.7 points. As good as the offense is, Coach Hollins must tighten up the defense if he wants this pattern of winning to continue.
• Finally, I would like to share two quotations. The first is from Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins: "We've come together as a team. We believe in each other. We've developed great chemistry. Nobody would have thought we could come back from 1-8." The second is from ESPN.com's recap of the game: "Suddenly, the Memphis Grizzlies are a team to be reckoned with." As a Grizz fan, those two statements have me thinking big.

Happy Holidays! Happy New Year! Go Grizz!

Owen