Grizzlies: What A Difference A Day Makes
A lot changed for the Grizzlies today. After last night’s impressive fourth quarter to defeat the Jazz it appeared the Grizzlies were in solid position to challenge the Clippers for the fourth seed in the West. Late this afternoon the Mavericks appeared primed to beat the Lakers bringing the three seed well into the realm of possibility.
The Kobe-less Lakers fended off the Mavericks to tighten their grasp on the four seed. Then the Grizzlies got punked by the bottom-feeding Hornets. Oh, and of course Marc Gasol injured his knee and writhed on the floor in pain before eventually heading into the locker room. The initial diagnosis is a hyperextended knee with an MRI forthcoming.
Obviously, the Gasol injury news is the primary concern. Assuming it’s nothing major, the next item of business is whether or not it is even worth going after the four seed. It may be wiser to sure up the five and rest the starters. Luckily, the Clippers play the Thunder at home, followed by the Nuggets and Suns on the road all before Friday. That should provide the Griz with the information they need to make a decision about resting starters.
If the Gasol report comes back bad then prepare for a first round exit. I’m depressed to say the least which brings me to the reason I initiated this post. In the wake of such a brutal game there is only one thing that could make me smile. It’s a video I’ve been selfishly hoarding and now it’s time to give back. (I apologize in advance for the violent unsteadiness of my hand. I was previously unaware of the issue)
If you pay attention to sports you’ve no doubt witnessed a media member explode with laughter after an athlete or coach made a relatively unfunny joke. I love it. Cue Rick Kamla of NBA TV. A couple weeks ago Lamarcus Aldridge joined the NBA TV crew for a post game interview via arena link. Then… well you’ll see.
My guess is the Grizz would really like to somehow manage landing that four seed.
Not that the Clippers are world-beaters or anything. The Grizz have proven to be a more well-rounded team.
I just think they’d rather have home court advantage in that series just to be on the safe side.