Grizzlies Will Play on ESPN Tonight

After playing just one nationally-televised game all season, the Grizzlies' game against the Oklahoma City Thunder will be broadcast on ESPN. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. EST. Tune in to see if the Griz can end the season at .500. A win tonight would do that. Now, I know that ESPN is only airing this game because the Thunder's Kevin Durant is closing in on the scoring title, but the Griz are on national TV nonetheless. I know I'll be watching...

Owen

Magic, Rockets Thwart Grizzlies

Since being mathematically eliminated from the playoffs two games ago (after a win, ironically), the Memphis Grizzlies have lost two straight games, to the Orlando Magic and the Houston Rockets. Both losses were tough to swallow and showed Grizzlies fans that they can start looking forward to the draft.

Against the Magic, the Grizzlies played well enough through the first three quarters to stick with the defending Eastern Conference champs. The game fell apart in the 4th quarter, however, as the Magic outscored the Griz 32-23 to secure a 107-92 win. As a team, the Grizzlies shot just 40% for the game, missed nine free throws and turned the ball over 15 times.

There were a few bright spots though. Center Zach Randolph came roaring back after a poor performance against the Hornets. Against the Magic, he scored 24 points and grabbed 18 rebounds. Additionally, the Grizzlies hit just three 3-pointers (Orlando hit 13). Going into the 4th quarter, I honestly thought we might win the game. Then the Magic woke up and put the game away. Oh well...

After the disappointing loss to the Magic, the Grizzlies returned to FedEx Forum for a clash against the Houston Rockets, a team that had thwarted the Grizzlies three times already this season. Last night's matchup was no different. Houston guard Kevin Martin poured in 29 points and the Rockets used a strong 3rd quarter to take a commanding lead. This was a tougher loss than the Magic because the Rockets are not a playoff team. If there's a team the Grizzlies can handle, it's one that can't make the playoffs either. But the Grizzlies couldn't do it and now have just one home game remaining.

Go Grizz!

Owen

Grizzlies 107, Hornets 96

Like Moses entering the promised land, I returned to the FedEx Forum tonight after a three-and-a-half month absence. When watching Grizzlies games on NBA TV, you don't have the same experience as at the Forum. There are no Grizz Girls, no Neely's BBQ and definitely no "get on your feet, Grizzlies fans!" 4th-quarter intro videos. There's nothing like watching a game at the Forum. And tonight was no different.

In a game that was never very close, the Grizzlies gave their fans plenty to cheer for. In the first half, Rudy Gay threw down a monstrous 360º dunk on a fast break. In the second, Sam Young leapt over James Posey to slam home a missed jump shot. Later in the half, Young drove down the lane, faked a pass and laid in a layup, completely fooling the New Orleans defense. See all the highlights here.

The Grizz didn't just use flashy plays to put away the Hornets, however. We out-rebounded New Orleans by 15 and had 24 fast-break points. OJ Mayo had 27 points on 50% shooting in arguably his best game since the All-Star break. Young also had a phenomenal game, coming off the bench to score 19 points and grab 7 rebounds.

It was not a perfect game though. Zach Randolph picked up two early fouls and played one of his worst games of the season, scoring just six points while playing only 22 minutes. Additionally, the Grizzlies allowed the Hornets to creep back into the game in the 4th quarter after being up 18 earlier in the game. With 2:32 remaining, the Grizzlies were only up by 9. Thanks to clutch play by Mike Conley and Gay, however, the Grizzlies put the game away.

Tonight's game gave me hope that the Grizzlies can make a playoff run. No, that won't happen this season. But with the foundation this year's team has built, there is no reason why we can't make that leap to the playoffs next season.

This season isn't over though. We have seven games remaining, including home contests against the Rockets and the 76'ers. Let's get out there and support our team, Grizzlies fans!

Go Grizz!

Owen