Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are currently 39-13, making them first in the Southwest division of the Western Conference of the NBA. The team most recently defeated the Brooklyn Nets by nine points, winning 95-86.

The Grizzlies franchise originated in 1995 in Vancouver. The team relocated to Memphis for the 2001-2002 season and added several new players including rookie forwards Shane Battier and Pau Gasol, who have since gone on to have successful and impressive basketball careers. The Grizzlies made three straight playoff appearances from 2003-2006. In 2006, Gasol also became the Grizzlies’ first All-Star player.

In the 2010-2011 season, the team’s 10th year in Memphis, the Grizzlies made it back into the playoffs for the first time in five years. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs in six games in the first round but fell in seven games to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Conference Semifinals. Since then, the Grizzlies have made it to at least the first round of playoffs and in 2012, made it as far as the Conference Finals where they were then swept by the Spurs in four games.

This season, Memphis has been successful due to their “Grit ’N’ Grind” style of play and continuing to remain a physical team. The team’s roster includes experienced veterans Tony Allen, Vince Carter, Courtney Lee and Zach Randolph. Earlier this week, Jarnell Stokes (forward) and Russ Smith (guard) were recalled from the Iowa Energy, Memphis’s NBA Development League affiliate.

Last week, the Grizzlies defeated the Atlanta Hawks who had been on a long hot winning streak. The Grizzlies were victorious, winning 94-88. Memphis outscored Atlanta in the paint, outrebounded them and went on an 8-2 run to finish the game strong, which had been tied at 86 with 2:48 left to play.

The Grizzlies will next take on the OKC Thunder on the road Wednesday night. This will be the team’s last game before pausing for All-Star break, which takes place this weekend in New York City. The Grizzlies will then head out West for three games on the road, facing off against the Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings before returning home.