Grizzlies vs Lakers

Growing up in Memphis there was a professional basketball void. Anyone that loves the game, on a professional level had 4 choices: Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, or the Boston Celtics. I chose the Lakers, and the Bulls. Aside from the Memphis State era of Dana Kirk and company, and the following Larry Finch legacy, that was when and where I fell in love. Until 15 years ago when Vancouver opted to move the Grizzlies franchise to Memphis. Thus began my love affair in my hometown. The early years in the Pyramid were tough, I’ll admit. Memphis is a fickle town, we’ll love you when you win, but only the ride or die fans support you in loss. I’m of the ride or die. The Lakers may be NBA royalty, but I’m all about loyalty.

Zach Randolph returned to aggressive play in the paint posting up his 33rd double-double of the season, with 24 points, 13 rebounds. The Grizzlies are 27-6 when Randolph makes the double-double deposit. Tony Allen had a stellar game, leading the Grizzlies in scoring throughout most of the game, shooting a season best seven field goals on eight attempts. Nick Calathes had minutes over Beno Udrih, with Coach Joerger choosing to go with the bigger body. Calathes had 8 points in 12 minutes. Calathes entered this game leading the NBA in the steals department (2.71 per game) since the All-Star Break. The game was much more evenly matched than I anticipated given the lopsided records.

I spoke with Mike Conley pre-game, asking how he’s faring physically due to injuries sustained in both ankles, and his wrist this season. Mike reports that his ankles are faring well, however the wrist is still very sore. While Conley will attribute his hops to his mother, his athletic ability in cementing hops to the basket is certainly from his Olympic triple jump father. After all, both require 3 steps, and that’s all Conley needs to break your ankles.

In speaking with Jeff Green pre-game, he reports nothing but love from the locker room to the extensions of the city. Since we love to bestow nicknames on our beloved players, I inquired as to whether he has a preference in his moniker. “But I’m just Jeff!” Pay attention as so far Green nixed Green Machine, or Green Giant. Supreme Jeff Green seems to be the leading contender. Jeff Green when asked if he prefers to drive the lane, or post up from the perimeter, reports that he fills the role that’s needed at that time for the team. He likes to find the slots, and is confident in his ability to not only find, but conquer the lane.

I also asked Beno Udrih, since he was easy to find on the locker room, no Twitter necessary, how he found transitioning from the European league, which is heavy in fundamentals, to the more physically driven NBA. Udrih shared that for his game fundamentals are the key to his play, that the NBA is packed with such physical players and talent, fundamentals occasionally get lost in transition. By keeping sharp on fundamental skill, Udrih is able to dissect and break ankles.

I also had the pleasure of informing our room Jordan Adams of the “Free the Rook!” campaign. Adams laughed and replied that “I was unaware, I’m in jail!” I explained that the Grizz fans have been impressed with his development, and would like to see more of him on the floor. Fist bump.

Tonight’s game also marked the return of the Grizzlies veterans Vince Carter. Carter sustained an injury to a tendon in his left foot. Carter reports that it felt good to return to the floor, and that he had been participating in shoot around for several weeks, but that does not substitute live play. Welcome back Vinsanity, you were missed.

It is obvious that the Grizzlies are running hard this second half of the season. Back to backs, and a full road schedule have our guys being pushed to the limit. Our General, Clutch Conley is never one to take the option out, especially knowing how integral his play is to capturing the win. That being said, Mike is exhausted, and banged up. Our push to the play-offs continues, and our bench is deeper than ever. Joerger has options. One of the options he made tonight was to move Jeff Green behind Randolph into the power forward position, as well as giving on fire Nick Calathes big minutes. With Tony Allen focused and in full control of Grit-n-Grind defense, our second unit has been integral upping the intensity of play. I’d like to see Mike rested, as well as our first unit, as packed schedules like this up the risk for injury. I have faith in the Grizz bench to get the job done, something I would never have said in previous years. I would rather gamble a potential loss for an injury free team in the  play-offs.

Post Game videos from the Grizz locker room: