Memphis Grizzlies News

Knicks rally, but fall to Grizzlies
"Zach Randolph had 24 points and 11 rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzlies held on for a 119-112 victory over the visiting Knicks on Friday night. The Knicks trailed by as many as 29 in the third quarter, but pulled within 115-110 in the final minute before losing for the fourth time in five games. Bill Walker had 21 points, including 12 during the Knicks' fourth-quarter rally. Toney Douglas added 19, while David Lee had 17 points and 14 rebounds. Cavaliers 100, Sixers 95: At Philadelphia, LeBron James had 23 points, 10 assists and six rebounds in his return from a two-game absence, and Cleveland won for the 14th time in its last 19 road games. James was in the starting lineup after missing ..."
Memphis' Rudy Gay could be a Knick free agent target
"Rudy Gay probably won't find being a restricted free agent as "restricted" as David Lee did last summer. That's because of all the money teams, including the Knicks, have to spend this summer. And because his current team, the Grizzlies, might not be inclined to match an offer Gay gets elsewhere. From the sound of it - before he scored 20 in a closer-than-it-should've-been 119-112 victory over the Knicks on Friday - the Connecticut product and Baltimore native seemed as if he's at least thought about leaving Memphis, perhaps for New York. "I wouldn't mind staying here if they make a commitment to me," he said. "But it's a business. … It really doesn't matter to me which way it goes." Yet, ..."
Nothing But 'Net: After early struggles, Grizzlies' Williams steady as he goes
"Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins watched Thursday's practice from a folding chair, and he seemed about as relaxed as he gets. Wearing loafers and jeans, he was chatting with general manager Chris Wallace during a scrimmage when he noticed something that bothered him. So he spoke up. "Marcus!" he barked. "That's two plays in a row where you faked a pass to Ronnie and then kept dribbling. Make the easy play!" Perhaps realizing his tone was harsh, Hollins paused and softened his critique. "Because you're good at it!" he added. There is an understanding shared by many of the team's reserves, and that includes backup point guard Marcus Williams: If Hollins stops yelling, it means he has stopped ..."
Rudy Gay a hot free-agent topic
"Since the NBA's trade deadline passed in February, Rudy Gay has been asked the same question from beat writers who are following teams that are expected to big players in free agency. Would you be willing to play for (insert team here)? Gay, a restricted free agent this summer, has mostly been accommodating with his answers. "It's just part of the business," Gay said. "Like I've said, I'd like to be here. But, you know, this is the NBA. It's a business." There are at least eight teams that will have significant money to spend on free agents in the offseason. So far Gay has answered questions dealing with free agency from media in New York, where articles have speculated that Gay could be ..."
Memphis Grizzlies build huge lead, hold off New York Knicks, 119-112
"The New York Knicks brought their helter-skelter, seemingly undisciplined brand of basketball to town, and proved they are never out of a game. It's also a style that made the Grizzlies look like the Harlem Globetrotters long enough to build a 29-point lead. At times, though, the Griz might as well have been the Washington Generals. PollDo you think the Memphis Grizzlies will make the playoffs?Yes No See the results » View previous polls » Grizzlies vs. Knicks - March 12, 2010 See all 18 photos at full sizeThat would basically sum up the fourth quarter. Before finally securing a 119-112 victory Friday, the Grizzlies needed to make clutch free throws in the final two minutes to fend ..."
Grizzlies' Gay sees future with Knicks
"Former UConn star and free-agent-to-be Rudy Gay can see himself playing the Garden next season. The Knicks can, too, if things break a certain way this summer. "It's the most famous arena in the world," Gay said yesterday before scoring 20 points in the Grizzlies' 119-112 victory over the Knicks at FedEx Forum. "It's great to play there. Every time I play there, I get chills. To play in that arena would be nice, but FedEx Forum has been home to me." If LeBron James is Plan A, Joe Johnson is Plan B, Gay is Plan C-plus. According to a source, the Knicks, who fell to 22-43 last night, have solid interest in Gay, but consider him a second-tier free agent. But if they can land Johnson and Gay ..."
Grizzlies' Gay could leave for New York
"Former UConn star Rudy Gay seemed lukewarm on remaining in the obscurity of Memphis when he becomes a restricted free agent in July when the Knicks and Nets become two of his options. "I wouldn't mind staying here, if I feel they were going to make a commitment to me,'' Gay said at the morning shootaround at FEDEX Forum. "It's a business. I'm only the one here from my first year so I know the business more than anyone on this team. It really doesn't matter which way it goes.'' Not exactly a ringing endorsement for wanting to remain on Beale Street, playing in the league's smallest market and playing before the second-worst attendance (averaging 13,000 despite a winning record). But it is ..."
Rudy Gay eyes Knicks as New York falls to Memphis Grizzlies, 119-112
"As bad as the Knicks are these days, they're still an attractive destination to Memphis' Rudy Gay. "That's an appealing style they play," Gay, the former UConn star, said before his Grizzlies took on the Knicks Friday night. "Every kid grows up playing like that and enjoys it. What I like about (Mike) D'Antoni's system is that everybody is effective in it. At any time, anybody can score. So it's something I'd look at this summer." A restricted free agent in July, Gay is considered to be a secondary option for the Knicks, who are expected to initially target LeBron James and Chris Bosh when free agency opens. If the Knicks have to settle for Plan B, it would be viewed as something of a ..."
Grizzlies' playoff hopes still feasible
"Like a picture in a frame, the Western Conference playoff scene has remained the same for the past two weeks. That is to say the Grizzlies would be the first team out of the postseason, going by the current standings. Going into Thursday night's games, Memphis was 31/2 games behind Portland for the eighth and final slot. The Griz were 41/2 games back from seventh-place San Antonio. But are the Grizzlies completely out of the running to earn their fourth playoff berth with 17 games remaining, including tonight's meeting with the New York Knicks in FedExForum? Mathematically, the answer is no. Memphis still has an outside chance. However, it remains to be seen if a team can make up such ..."
Hollins puts halt to playoff talk
"Hollins puts halt to playoff talk The dry-erase board outlining the Western Conference standings is still prominently displayed in the Grizzlies' locker room. But coach Lionel Hollins said he doesn't talk about the team's playoff potential. Memphis entered Wednesday night four games out of the eighth and final postseason slot. Hollins, though, is imploring his players to stay focused on winning with their preseason goals in mind. "I'm not even looking at those (playoff) chances," Hollins said. "We've been trying to establish a goal of being better than what we've been and not worrying about the playoffs. We want to look at the standings because we want to be aware of where we are. ..."
Grizzlies jump on Celtics early, roll to 20-point win
"For a solid month, the Grizzlies rode a bumpy, win-one-lose-one track that never allowed them to find consistency and confidence. Suddenly, though, they look smoother, and the Boston Celtics emphatically found out just how finely tuned the Grizzlies can be when they are focused. Grizzlies at Celtics - March 10, 2010 See all 7 photos at full sizeBox scoreGriz 111, Celtics 91 Memphis strutted into TD Garden and rolled over Boston for a 111-91 victory Wednesday night in a performance as dominant as it was stunning. The Griz (34-31) played nearly flawless basketball in every aspect of the game, which arguably went down as their most complete victory of the season. In extending their ..."
Grizzlies hold off New Jersey Nets, 107-101
"The night began with Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins delivering sort of a public service announcement. He cautioned that the New Jersey Nets' status as the NBA's worst team record-wise didn't make them a collection of misfits whose spirit could be easily broken. The Nets have played better of late, making themselves anything but an easy out. Hollins -- and perhaps he was the only one among the 10,317 in FedExForum -- didn't look too surprised after the game extended beyond its halfway point. The Grizzlies' 21-point lead had all but evaporated. By the end of their 107-101 victory Monday night, the Griz had simply escaped the energetic Nets. "It would have been a really bad loss if it ..."
Bad back sidelines Grizzlies' Zach Randolph
"The Grizzlies played musical chairs before their game against the New Jersey Nets. After recalling rookie Hasheem Thabeet from the NBA Development League early Monday, the Griz learned just before tip-off that forward Zach Randolph would be unavailable due to a stiff lower back. Randolph missed his first game this season after averaging 20.8 points and 11.8 rebounds in 63 starts. Second-year forward Darrell Arthur made his first start. Randolph was not on the bench, but Thabeet joined his teammates for the first time in nearly two weeks. The 7-3 center returned from a six-game stint with the Dakota Wizards, the Grizzlies' D-League affiliate. The No. 2 overall pick averaged 13.8 points, ..."
Grizzlies recall Thabeet from Development League
"The Grizzlies recalled center Hasheem Thabeet from the Dakota Wizards, the team's NBA Development League affiliate, general manager Chris Wallace announced today. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Thabeet averaged a double-double with 13.8 points and 11.2 rebounds along with 3.2 blocks in six games (four starts) with Dakota."
Heisley's engaging, blunt, but out of touch
"Heisley said he would like to see more Griz fans take advantage of $5 tickets and also put to rest constant rumors that the team is moving: "There is a contract that holds the Grizzlies into Memphis for 17 years. People should get off of this." Mike Heisley is charming, accessible and wonderfully blunt. But he doesn't get it. He doesn't know how to build a successful NBA franchise in this town. I take no pleasure in writing this, by the way. Some of you think I get a kick out of criticizing Heisley. You couldn't be more wrong. The guy has always treated me remarkably well. It didn't matter if I was defending him -- as I did during the team's early years here, especially in connection with ..."
Lionel Hollins deal 'in my hands'
"The Grizzlies are still working toward a contract extension for coach Lionel Hollins, two months after team owner Michael Heisley initiated negotiations. "It's in my hands," Heisley said when asked about the status of contract talks. Hollins is working on a 17-month deal he signed Jan. 25, 2009 to replace Marc Iavaroni. Neither side would disclose the nature of the discussions nor why talks are still ongoing. Hollins, though, didn't sound concerned when asked about the situation Saturday night before the Griz hosted the San Antonio Spurs. "I talked to Mike when I was in Chicago. I think it'll get done," Hollins said while taping The Lionel Hollins Show, which posts today on ..."
Memphis Grizzlies fall to San Antonio Spurs, 102-92
"Memphis dropped its eighth straight contest at FedExForum in a manner similar to the rest during this skid. The Griz struggled to score, particularly in the second half, barely reaching their average of 92 points during their difficult home stretch. The game featured yet another Western Conference opponent fighting mightily to hang on to its playoff position while the Griz faded as the game wore on. The seventh-seeded Spurs pushed the Griz further back out of postseason contention by daring anyone to stop them from getting to the rim. San Antonio's penchant for driving in the lane late combined with an active defense never allowed Memphis to seriously threaten once the Spurs took a ..."
Hollins finds right mix off Memphis Grizzlies bench
"Coaches typically scout for two types when looking for players to complement their starters and contribute consistently as reserves in the NBA. There are skill players, who tend to help avoid big scoring droughts. Then there are energy guys, who scrap for loose balls and defend. The Grizzlies haven't received large doses of either from their bench this season so it's no wonder coach Lionel Hollins seems a tad bit giddy about what's he's tapped into. Sometimes it's the simplest things that make people happy. "I told one of the (assistant) coaches that maybe we found something we can live with," Hollins said. Lately, whatever the "something" is works a heck of a lot better than the relative ..."
Memphis Grizzlies keep their cool, rally past Chicago Bulls
"Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins called for time with his team trailing by 17 points in the second quarter, and tried to simply remain calm. He didn't want panic to set in. Forward Zach Randolph said his message was intended to be more like banging the snooze button on an alarm clock. "You've just got to wake up," Randolph said after amassing 31 points and 18 rebounds to help the Grizzlies rally for a 105-96 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night in the United Center. Randolph wasn't the only Grizzlies player who heard the alarm. Each member of the starting unit got going at different points as the Griz extended their franchise-record road winning streak to six games."
Thabeet seeks boost from D-League stay
"The plush surroundings of all those Ritz Carltons and Four Seasons have disappeared. These days, Hasheem Thabeet rests his head in a two-star motel in chilly Bismarck, N.D. Gone, too, are the charter flights and all the legroom they afforded. Eight months ago Thabeet was celebrating his selection as the second overall pick of the NBA draft. He now holds a new distinction: the highest pick ever to be sent to the NBA's Development League. That's not to say Thabeet has lost all his star power: In honor of his arrival, the Dakota Wizards discounted general-admission tickets for Wednesday's game to $2. For Thabeet, the D-League is home, at least for a little bit, and he's determined to make the ..."
Ronnie Brewer making speedy recovery
"Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley, who finished with a season-high 26 points, strips the ball from Hornets center Aaron Gray on Wednesday. The 6-7 guard/forward sounds as if he is on pace to fully recover from a partially torn right hamstring three weeks from the day he was injured. That means Brewer likely could resume full-contact basketball activities around March 12. Team officials have not set a return date."
Grizzlies' road win over New Orleans, 104-100, sets record
"The Grizzlies have learned some difficult lessons at this point of the regular season about the intensity required to compete for the postseason. As grades go, the Griz earned an "S" for satisfactory Wednesday night when they got downright scrappy in the fourth quarter to pull out a 104-100 victory over the New Orleans Hornets. Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley, who finished with a season-high 26 points, strips the ball from Hornets center Aaron Gray on Wednesday. However slim the Grizzlies' playoffs hopes seem, their 31st victory this season and franchise-record fifth straight win on the road shined a positive light on their mental toughness, which has been questioned as of late. The ..."
Nothing But 'Net: Thabeet trying to find way back to NBA, via North Dakota
"Hasheem Thabeet grabbed his sneakers and began wandering around the visitors locker room last Friday at Tulio Arena in Erie, Pa. He had just made his debut with the Dakota Wizards of the NBA Development League, but he was still finding his way. Where was the equipment bag for his sneakers? "Hasheem, this is the D-League," Wizards coach Rory White told him. "And in the D-League, you carry your own sneakers." If Thabeet suddenly felt thousands of miles removed from the trappings of the NBA lifestyle, then there would be more. Oh, so much more. How about folding up his 7-foot-3 frame on Monday afternoon and flying coach from Fort Wayne, Ind., to Detroit … and then from Detroit to Minneapolis ..."
Griz have that look, and it's one we've seen
"Look at the bright side, Grizzlies fans. The NBA Draft Lottery is kind of exciting. All the possibilities. All the pingpong balls. Maybe the Grizzlies will get really lucky and have a chance to draft John Wall. Or maybe they'll get less lucky and have a chance to pick a tall guy who can't play. That's part of the thrill of it, isn't it? So reserve your table at Buffalo Wild Wings before they're all gone. The Grizzlies didn't officially clinch a spot in the lottery against Portland on Monday night, but it's not because they didn't try. They committed 21 turnovers. They gave up as many points in the third quarter (41) as they did the entire first half. "We folded," said Zach Randolph, in ..."
Portland Trail Blazers rally to defeat Memphis Grizzlies, 103-93
"It was a thing of beauty when they were on. The Grizzlies ran a clinic on both ends of the floor with an offense that generated scores off touch passes to compliment an all-out defensive effort. When they were off, the Grizzlies simply threw the basketball away and greatly contributed to anything good the Portland Trail Blazers did. Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph drives to the basket against Portland Trail Blazers defenders Marcus Camby (left) and LaMarcus Aldridge tonight. Memphis, a Jekyll-and-Hyde bunch if you ever saw one since the All-Star break, was again a turn-off at home - extending a losing streak in FedExForum to seven games Monday night with a 103-93 loss to the ..."
Blazers better neutralize Grizzlies' Randolph and Gasol; news, notes and links
"If Portland is to win tonight's game at Memphis and finished their road trip with a 4-1 record, they had better pay attention to stopping the Grizzlies' frontline players, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol have quickly transformed themselves into one of the league's more productive frontline tandems. Randolph, selected to his first All-Star game last month, is averaging a 20.6 points and 11.9 rebounds a game this season. He is one of just two players (Chris Bosh) in the league who are averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. Randolph had 31 points and a career-high 25 rebounds in the Grizzlies' 120-109 win at New York Saturday. Gasol is averaging 14.9 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.6 ..."
Griz send Lester Hudson to D-League
"Grizzlies rookie guard Lester Hudson left the team today for his third assignment to the NBA Development League. Hudson, who did two stints in the D-League while with the Boston Celtics, joined fellow rookie Hasheem Thabeet with Grizzlies affiliate, the Dakota Wizards. The Griz originally wanted to send Hudson with Thabeet last Thursday, but veteran Jamaal Tinsley suffered a hamstring injury, so the Griz decided to keep Hudson for games on Friday and Saturday."
Memphis Grizzlies fight home slump
"Headbands and sparks flew the last time the Grizzlies played in FedExForum. It had nothing to do with a celebration. Memphis hasn't had reason to unleash victory streamers in its digs since Feb. 1. That's the last time the Griz won at home - a 95-93 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. One month and six consecutive home defeats later, the Griz will host the Portland Trail Blazers tonight in an attempt to snap their longest FedExForum skid this season. Memphis hasn't lost seven straight contests at home since January 2009. The same place that housed an 11-game winning streak, bridging December and January, seemed merciless last month. Griz coach Lionel Hollins"
Hasheem Thabeet scores 19 in D-League;Lester Hudson debuts
"Grizzlies center Hasheem Thabeet scored 19 points and grabbed 16 rebounds on Sunday in his second game with the NBA Development League's Dakota Wizards, and guard Lester Hudson scored nine points in his debut with the Wizards, after being assigned to the squad by the Grizzlies earlier in the day. Thabeet went 8-of-10 from the field, 3-of-4 from the free-throw line and blocked six shots for the Wizards, who defeated the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, 94-85. Thabeet played 38:16, had three fouls and committed three turnovers. Hudson was 3-of-12 from the field, including 1-of-3 from 3-point range. He had five rebounds, six assists,o ne steal and did not commit a turnover in 23:15. Hudson averaged 4.3 ..."
Renewing Grizzlies season tickets has its perks
"When Mike Campbell of Forrest City, Ark., decided to purchase a pair of Grizzlies' season tickets two years ago, he did so because it was an opportunity to be a part of a closer professional franchise rather than driving all the way to St. Louis. He quickly noticed the special treatment he received from his ticket representative throughout the season, who would call up and offer such things as floor seats or a night in a suite. But this season, Campbell, 51, has had an added perk - being able to witness firsthand the emergence of the Grizzlies into one of the top young teams in the NBA. The combination of the two is why Campbell won't hesitate to fill out his season ticket renewal form ..."
Hollins likes players speaking out
"O.J. Mayo and Zach Randolph called into question the Grizzlies' sense of urgency Friday night following a loss to Charlotte. Before the Griz took on the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden, coach Lionel Hollins applauded their comments and chalked it up to needed leadership. While recording the latest installment of "The Lionel Hollins Show," a weekly podcast on gogrizzlies.com, the Grizzlies' head coach said Mayo and Randolph were offering constructive criticism because of the team's on-again, off-again intensity. Memphis will host Portland on Monday with a six-game losing streak in FedExForum. "There is a lack of urgency for us to get down at home every night and have to come from ..."
Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies overwhelm New York Knicks, 120-109
"One of the concerns when playing the New York Knicks is getting lured into their frenetic style of play. The Grizzlies coaching staff warned its team to resist the urge to just cast shots without a conscious regard for clear mismatches in the post. So Memphis' 120-109 victory Saturday night in Madison Square Garden simply came down to the final four minutes. The Grizzlies got off-message then responded to the challenge of displaying maturity, which resulted in 13-2 game-ending run that allowed them to capture their fourth straight road victory."
Despite being with Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Randolph still questions his trade from New York Knicks
"Zach Randolph still questions the Knicks' thinking behind trading him and Jamal Crawford last season in order to clear salary cap room for the 2010 free-agent class. "If they get LeBron (it was worth it)," Randolph says. "If they don't get him, I wonder. I don't know." The Knicks were 6-3 when they dealt Randolph and Crawford in November 2008 and the team hasn't been the same since. Meanwhile, Crawford is the sixth man for the playoff-bound Hawks and Randolph made his first All-Star team for the up-and-coming Grizzlies, who beat the Knicks Saturday night at the Garden behind Randolph's 31 points and career-high 25 rebounds. Randolph's image makeover was completed during All-Star weekend ..."
Memphis Grizzlies lose to Charlotte, 93-89
"When Zach Randolph ripped off his headband and flung it across the floor toward the courtside seats, there was no sugarcoating his disgust. The Grizzlies suffered another frustrating loss at home - their sixth straight - in falling to the Charlotte Bobcats, 93-89, before an announced crowd of 14,713 Friday night at FedExForum.

Box score

Bobcats 93, Grizzlies 89

Grizzlies vs. Bobcats - February 26, 2010 See all 24 photos at full size

It was a game the Griz literally threw away given the 20 turnovers that led to 28 points for the visitors. It was a game that the Griz desperately needed for their postseason aspirations ..."

Jackson helps Bobcats back on track
"This is easy to understand but apparently easy for the Charlotte Bobcats to forget: When you drive the ball, everything else in basketball gets easier. Your shooting percentage improves. Your free-throw attempts rise. Your defense looks better, because there aren't so many long rebounds leading to fast breaks at the other end. That point seemed lost for a while on this team. Friday they remembered, scoring nearly half their points in the lane in a 93-89 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The victory salvaged something from this road trip – they went 1-3 thanks to this win, which shooting guard Stephen Jackson called imperative. "We played with a sense of urgency,'' said Jackson, who ..."
Rudy Gay scores 'Hoops for St. Jude'
"When ALSAC, the fundraising arm for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, approached Grizzlies star Rudy Gay about being an ambassador for its Hoops for St. Jude fundraising program, his response was as quick and swift as one of his fast-break dunks. "They asked me and I immediately did it," Gay said. "I like doing things for kids. It gives me a chance to do things for kids. You don't always know who needs it, but St. Jude's is a part of my heart. The fact that it's in Memphis is a plus." Gay is one of six NBA players who have pledged $20,000 for Hoops for St. Jude, a basketball program created for NBA players, fans and schoolchildren to support the work of St. Jude through several ..."
Grizzlies send Thabeet to NBA Development League
"Part of Hasheem Thabeet's reaction to being demoted to third string among the Grizzlies' centers was that his draft status didn't automatically mean he had to contribute right away. It was the same rationale Griz brass used when they selected Thabeet No. 2 overall in the 2009 draft, leaving several capable and more NBA-ready players on the board. The Griz acknowledged then that Thabeet was a project, and more confirmation came Thursday. Thabeet, a 7-footer out of Connecticut, is the highest NBA draft pick ever assigned to the NBA's Development League. Thabeet will join the Grizzlies' D-League affiliate, the Dakota Wizards, today before their game in Erie, Pa. The decision to send Thabeet ..."
Randolph leads Memphis Grizzlies' win over Washington Wizards, 99-94
"Bounce-back games and an anything-but-sturdy bench used to be a real downer for the Grizzlies. Suddenly, both of those aspects of the Grizzlies' season are starting to look up. Before the All-Star break, the Grizzlies were 1-11 in the second of back-to-back games. They are 2-0 since after pulling away late in a 99-94 victory over the Washington Wizards in the Verizon Center on Wednesday night. The Griz needed a lift following a depressing, one-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers the night before, and were pumped up by their reserves. "The key was our bench," Griz center Marc Gasol said. "The bench deserves a lot of credit for this one." Griz coach Lionel Hollins agreed, saying that he's ..."
Haddadi's role improves, replaces Thabeet as backup center
"Second-year center Hamed Haddadi's sudden appearance last Sunday has earned him a supporting role. Griz coach Lionel Hollins announced Tuesday night that Haddadi would supplant rookie Hasheem Thabeet as the backup to starting center Marc Gasol. "I just made a decision that I'm going with Hamed just like I made the decision that I'm going with Marcus (Williams at point guard)," Hollins said. "You just feel something and you want to see something and you want to change. You run with it and see what happens. How long will this last? I don't know." Haddadi entered the game for Gasol with 11:06 remaining in the second period. The 7-foot Iranian displayed an immediate contrast to Thabeet. ..."
Kobe Bryant's late 3-pointer sends Memphis Grizzlies to 5th straight loss at home
"O.J. Mayo had a chance to give the Grizzlies a late 4-point cushion Tuesday. But he missed two free throws, setting the stage for some Kobe Bryant heroics. Kobe Bryant attempted his first shot in nearly three weeks, and came away with a 4-point play. The Los Angeles Lakers guard returned from a five-game layoff due to an ankle injury looking dynamic from his first shot to the last. And given a chance to take a shot with the game on the line Tuesday night, Bryant delivered a dagger. Bryant calmly sank a 3-pointer that deflated the Grizzlies with 4.3 seconds and sent the Lakers to a 99-98 victory before an announced, sellout crowd of 18,119 in FedExForum. "There's not much you can do," ..."
Lakers' Bryant returns, hits winner over Memphis
"There were 8.8 seconds remaining when Ron Artest inbounded the ball to Pau Gasol, who passed to Lamar Odom, who passed to Kobe Bryant, who swished a 3-pointer from 26 feet along the right wing. Calmly, coolly, collectively, the Lakers seized a 99-98 victory from the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. They celebrated Bryant's return from a five-game absence because of an ankle injury by putting the ball into his capable hands with the game on the line. If the strained peroneal tendon in his left ankle bothered him in the slightest, it certainly didn't show at the FedEx Forum. He had a spring in his step and did not lack for confidence as he waited while his teammates to pass him the ball. ..."
No joke: Pau Gasol trade proved to be good for Griz, too
"Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace isn't crowing, though who could blame him? And there's no longer a loud chorus of criticism around the NBA, either. The Grizzlies' trade of Pau Gasol to the L.A. Lakers two years ago generated tons of salary-cap space and draft picks. Here's how that has translated to the current roster: Darrell Arthur (draft) Ronnie Brewer (cap space) DeMarre Carroll (cap space, draft) Marc Gasol (trade) Hamed Haddadi (cap space) Lester Hudson (cap space) Steven Hunter (cap space) Zach Randolph (cap space) Sam Young (cap space, draft) The once-maligned trade that moved Pau Gasol from Memphis to the Los Angeles Lakers two years ago this month looks a lot different ..."
Nets give away big lead, fall to Grizzlies, 104-94
"Brook Lopez seemed to be on his way to the best scoring night of his young career, but then disappeared in the second half. He vanished even quicker after the game. The Nets' center usually leaves without speaking to reporters when he's frustrated and doesn't want to say anything negative. It's a wonder Lopez is ever in the locker room after games. Second-half disappearing acts have been almost as routine for Lopez as losses are for the Nets. They seem to go away from what makes them successful, which is precisely what happened in Sunday's 104-94 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies at Izod Center. Lopez scored 17 points in the first quarter and 22 in the opening half, leading the Nets to an ..."
Memphis Grizzlies cut down New Jersey Nets, 104-94
"There is only one way to describe what the Grizzlies did Sunday night, getting blown out early by an NBA opponent in the midst of a historically bad season and then needing half a game to shake total ineptness. It's called winning ugly. And the Grizzlies will gladly take it. The final outcome, a 104-94 victory over the hapless New Jersey Nets in the Izod Center, was about what one would have expected going into the teams' first meeting this season. However, the Griz took their time settling into a victory that pushed their record back over the .500 mark. When the final buzzer sounded both coaches could be seen exhaling but for very different reasons. The Nets (5-51) fell to 1-46 when ..."
Utah Jazz feel for ailing Brewer
"Jazz players found out before beating Golden State on Friday night. Jerry Sloan found out beforehand as well, but only when trainer Gary Briggs told him as the Jazz coaching staff took the floor at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Ronnie Brewer, the longtime Jazz starting shooting guard traded to Memphis on Thursday, severely injured his hamstring after making a steal in the fourth quarter of his Grizzlies debut, a double-overtime loss to Miami. "I hate to hear that. ... I hate to see anybody get hurt," Sloan said afterward. "He was one of our guys and we still have a lot of respect for him and all that, and I hate to see it happen to him. Hopefully, he'll be able to bounce back." The Grizzlies ..."
Kobe Bryant hopes to return for Lakers' game Tuesday at Memphis
"Saturday was another day for Kobe Bryant to test his sprained left ankle, another day to gauge his progress before he decides whether to play after missing five consecutive Lakers games. Asked after practice whether Tuesday's game at Memphis would be a definite date for his return, Bryant said, "It should be. If not, I'm firing everybody." If he plays Tuesday, Bryant will have rested his ankle for 18 days. How the ankle responds Sunday after more treatment while the Lakers take another day off from practice will be another key step for Bryant. By Tuesday the Lakers will have had four days between games. Bryant practiced Monday with the hope of playing last Tuesday night, but his ankle ..."
Ronnie Brewer to miss at least three weeks with torn hamstring
"Ronnie Brewer has a partially torn right hamstring and likely will miss up to three weeks after suffering the injury Friday night in his Grizzlies debut. Acquired Thursday in a trade with the Utah Jazz, the former Arkansas Razorbacks star played just 12 minutes in a Grizzlies uniform before collapsing on the court and grimacing in pain as he held his right leg. Brewer had his condition confirmed Saturday morning after a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam. The Grizzlies said Brewer would be out indefinitely and an official timetable for his return will be set in a week. Brewer did not travel with the team to New Jersey where the Griz will face the Nets this evening. He needed crutches ..."
Memphis Grizzlies fall to Heat, 100-87; new addition Brewer leaves with injury
"It took two overtime periods before the Grizzlies succumbed to the Miami Heat. But Memphis lost its newest player in just 12 minutes. Box scoreHeat 100, Grizzlies 87 (20T) The Grizzlies' 100-87 double- overtime defeat at the hands of the Heat Friday night in FedExForum might be the least of their worries today. The Grizzlies' recent trade acquisition, swingman Ronnie Brewer, hurt his right hamstring in the second half and didn't return. His official status was unknown when the buzzer sounded on Memphis' fourth straight loss at home. The Griz can only hope Brewer isn't lost for long. Team doctors will perform an MRI this morning to determine the extent of Brewer's injury. It is ..."
Postgame Breakdown: Heat 100, Grizzlies 87
"For a night, the Heat's supporting cast played a collective starring role. Grizz-Heat-Main With Dwyane Wade out with a calf injury and starting point guard Rafer Alston also sitting with a hand injury, Michael Beasley stepped up. And up. And Up. And up. Beasley led the way with a career-high 30 points to help get the Heat past the Memphis Grizzlies 100-87 in double overtime Friday at FedEx Forum. A day after Heat owner Micky Arison and team president Pat Riley emerged from the trading deadline with the roster intact, the team showed it was the right move. For a night, at least. The ultimate team-wide effort allowed Miami to extend its winning streak to five games, including three straight ..."
Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade misses first game, says calf is `getting better'
"The Heat might not have made any personnel changes before Thursday's trade deadline, but Friday night's starting lineup looked significantly different anyway. The starting backcourt of Dwyane Wade and Rafer Alston both missed Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies, will miss Saturday's game at Dallas and remain day-to-day with the injuries they suffered Wednesday at New Jersey. Carlos Arroyo and Daequan Cook started in their absence. Wade remained in a walking boot after straining his left calf in the first quarter against the Nets. The Heat's leading scorer will undergo an MRI when he returns to Miami on Sunday. But the rehabilitation process will remain the same regardless of how ..."