What I Want for GRIZZmas
Dear Santa Grizz:
It sure has been a rough start to the season. Well, if I’m honest, it’s just been a rough year period for my home team. They came back after the All Star Break struggling. Then, my favorite point guard gets his face broken in the first series of the playoffs last season. Then, they lose in the second series to Riley’nem Daddy and Friends (the Golden State Warriors). I’ve not been the best little girl this year Santa Grizz, but I’ve been a really good and committed fan, and that’s all that matters for this letter today. I get that 2015 might just be a wash right now, but I thought I’d send you this letter anyway hoping that you’ll bring me the things on my GRIZZmas list for the rest of the season. Here’s what I’d like Santa Grizz:
Consistent play from M&M
M&M, not the cute little melt in your mouth but not in your hand fellas, but Mike and Marc, Marc and Mike, whichever order you want to call them in. Their performance, as crazy as it sounds, is typically indicative of the team’s wins and losses. This team will go as they go, whether good or bad. They are the team’s leaders. The future of the franchise is being built around them. If it’s not too much to ask Santa Grizz, could you keep this at the forefront of THEIR mind EVERY game? I love them both to death and back again, and when they’re good, they’re great. However, when they’re bad, well…they look like waiters at the head of the dinner table that’s been prepared for them.
Just a few stats for you…
In the 30 point loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers (the season opener, by the way), Conley had 8 points on 2-8 shooting and Gasol had 12 points on 6-12 shooting.
In the 50 point loss to the Golden State Warriors, while they were the leading scorers in this game, Conley only had 10 points on 2-8 shooting and Gasol only had 13 points on 5-12 shooting.
In the 37 point loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Conley took only 7 shots, and not one of them fell. Yes, he had ZERO points that night. Gasol had 11 points on 4-9 shooting.
In the victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, Gasol looked like the Gasol all fans long to see. He had 38 points that night on 11-22 shooting. Conley had 11 on 5-10 shooting.
Conley scored 26 points on 10-17 shooting in the home victory against the Houston Rockets; Gasol scored 16 on 7-14 shooting.
In the victory against Dallas, Gasol had 15 points on just 4-12 shooting and Conley had 21 points on 8-17 shooting.
Can we see more games like those victories and NO MORE games like those losses, Santa Grizz? Thanks.
The Return of Defense
I’m not sure who decided that it was a good idea to break up with the defense that the Grizzlies were known and feared for, but I really need for them to reconcile. Even when the offense was average, fans could always depend on defense. Now, sometimes they look like “defense, what’s defense?”
Trusting Each Other and Themselves
In line with the return of defense request, could you let them trust each other and themselves again? They’ll need to communicate. They’ll need to not be passive on the offensive or defensive end. They’ll need to take and make open shots. Defense can’t collapse because offense is off. I get they’re trying to make changes, but the Grizzlies may never be a team that can beat you offensively any time soon, especially in the Western Conference. They can, however, compete with the best of them defensively though, if they actually remember what it is and how to do it.
Effort for a Full 48 Minutes
Santa Grizz, can you stop the 2nd and 3rd quarter collapses? The 3rd quarter has been the MAJOR death trap it seems. That middle 24 minutes hasn’t been kind to us Santa Grizz. Effort for a full 48 minutes from everyone would be great. Please and thank you.
The Attack and the Trade Rumors of Zach Randolph to Stop
Santa Grizz, I want Zach Randolph, Fiddy for Da City, ZBo to retire in a Grizzlies uniform. There, I said it. I want the number 50 to be retired the day that he does. ZBo is not old. ZBo is not out of shape. The game has changed from his game, but he can, AND DOES, still contribute to the success of this team. It’s possibly not a good fit for him and Jeff Green to be on the floor at the same time because it does create spacing issues, but his continuous contribution and importance to this team shouldn’t be diminished, even if his role has to. May everyone who believes he no longer has a place or role on this team get a big lump of coal in their GRIZZmas stocking.
Better Ball Handling
I’m not sure who got in the bed with turnovers, probably the same person that decided it was a good idea to break up with defense, but I’m over the turnovers. I get that with greater ball movement comes the risk for more turnovers, but I need them to learn how to handle the ball better. No more shot clock violations. No more errant passes. No more miscues.
I could go on and on Santa Grizz, but these are the things that mean the most to me. I’ll leave some of the other things to some of the other faithful fans. I’m hoping for a Merry GRIZZmas and a better new year for my Memphis Grizzlies! Thanks Santa Grizz!
Love, Carmen
- Grizzlies dominate Hawks again in 118-101 victory - March 8, 2020
- Grizzlies rally too late, fall to Pelicans 126-116 - January 21, 2020
- Grizzlies win fifth straight, defeat Warriors 122-102 - January 13, 2020
Good read Carmen. You hit on some good points especially about the defense. TA has been demoted to the bench most of the season. I know he started the season starting but didn’t play the minutes we are used to. The trade rumors are hilarious. Something isn’t righ. I have my opinions but I will leave them in my head. Also, I liked the way you put the Green & Randolph reference about being on the floor together. These coaches and GM’s act like he is another Pippen but he is not there nor do I think he ever will be. Anyway, I enjoyed the article.
Also, I like that ugly sweater. I bought one last week but the other design on it.
Thanks for reading Marico! Yeah, in private discussions this conversation has gone wrong. But I’m trying to keep my writing privileges lol! We appreciate your support of AHHC!
Pingback: Santa Grizz Came A Little Early This Year – Recap: Grizzlies vs Pacers – All Heart In Hoop City
Good stuff. Zbo is the reason I became a Memphis fan. No other way to say this…p#sses me off the way this is going down. The front office has decided they don’t want the GNG style, fine. Don’t tell me Zbo and TA can no longer play ball. My a$$! Show them the respect they deserve! ALL HEART!!!!! GNG!!!!!
Totally understand your passion Andy. Both ZBo and Tony were integral in helping to make this franchise relevant for many fans. Thank you for reading and sharing! Keep your commitment to the team…GNG.