Colin Rafferty –
Your Memphis Grizzlies started the season off with what can only be called a ‘bang.’
From Moneybagg Yo’s electric introduction, Clara Thomas and Shinedown performing at halftime, to Ja Morant being called on once again and answering the phone.
Fans have waited a long offseason for opening night, and it did not disappoint.
The energy was electric, and the fans were eager. Jaren gave some inspiring words before the tip reminding the crowd to do what they do best.
A 129-122 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, that was hard fought and had elements of every type of game you could play.
The Grizzlies had some stretches where they were not hitting shots and seemed to be a little outmatched by the physicality that the Pelicans were playing with at times. Only to show resiliency in the face of some wild runs.
Things had gotten chippy by the second quarter when Kentavious Caldwell-Pope gave a light shove to Jordan Poole on a three-point attempt after the whistle had been blown.
You may ask yourself why?
Well for most of the game leading up, it had been a weird back and forth with the Grizzlies and Pelicans trading punches every few minutes. Several times when the whistle was blown, you would see someone take up a shot and almost every time there
was a player there to try and block it from going in at the rim.
So, the gamesmanship was there from the opening tip, nobody was getting anything easy tonight even if it didn’t count.
Fouls seemed to be an issue last night with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jock Landale fouling out. Aldama added 5 of his own.
Some key contributions from rookies Cedric Coward and Javon Small as well as recent addition Olivier-Maxence Prosper helped the Grizz on the way to victory.
Coward off the bench posted a cool +24 on 14 pts, 3 reb, 2 steals, and a block at the rim against Zion Williamson. His energy and athleticism on the court were on full display as he was in position several times to make plays with a cut or being in a passing lane.
For Prosper, he was called early to help with the athletic bigs of the Pelicans, clocking in 10 points and 5 rebounds. He was able to contribute a good 15 minutes when Jaren
and Landale were off.
Although Javon Small didn’t have a point, he had a few assists and ended up with a positive +/-. He did not look like he was lost or overmatched; his shot isn’t there yet, but it will come as he was an effective scorer in college.
As for the regular stars, Ja and Jaren. They had great nights, until Jaren fouled out on an unfortunate call that looked like if anybody, Jaylen Wells should have been called for the foul, if anything to keep Jaren in for a few more minutes.
Jaren posted 18 pts, 8 reb, 6 blocks, and 6 fouls. He played great when he needed to but had some goofy fouls that led to his unfortunate early exit.
To which I can’t think of the last time I saw him play so well and foul out, first game of the year for the ones calling the fouls I guess too.
Ja Morant, I mean that’s really all I have to say, and the city and most of the NBA World gets it.
A man that I hope and pray will last the whole season, but if he does not start getting a little SGA treatment for being one of the biggest stars in the league then we should be worried he will get banged up a little bit each year. I’m looking at you, Mr. Commissioner. Protect him better.
STILL our savior with unlimited talk and text was there to pick up the phone. 35 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. He showed off some solid three-point shots, and in classic fashion was weaving in and out of the defense to glide effortlessly to the rim.
I am in awe watching him at all times, and I feel everyone in the building is too. A tear drop and-1 with a wave to crowd and it was all but over. He did however give a young man a welcome to the NBA moment with about 5 seconds left on the clock.
To which he talked with Jeremiah Fears after the game and told him to keep being aggressive, and he liked his game – a nice gesture after ‘clowning’ on the rookie (pointing at him as he ran away with the ball as if to say “gotcha”).
The streamers fell and the fans rolled out with smiles on their faces. “We got the dub, book it,” Jackson Jr. said after the game over the PA. He also urged the fans to get tickets for Friday and Saturday “be loud, you know what I’m saying.”
Ja’s message to the fans in the locker room was clear, “Grizz fans only, stay on this side.”
For Memphians and Grizz fans alike, Mr. Morant, we will never leave your side. Thank you.
***Message from the Team***
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