Last night’s 95-83 Game 6 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder was a microcosm of the 2011 season. Everyone, from ESPN pundits to diehard Grizzlies fans (you know who you are…), had counted the Grizzlies out after a demoralizing Game 5 loss. “Way to go, Memphis. You made it this far, an incredible accomplishment, but now it’s time to go home.” At halftime of Game 6, it sure looked like the series, and the Grizzlies season, was over. OKC point guard Russell Westbrook was having his way against the Memphis defense, getting to the basket at will and kicking out for open 3′s. Zach Randolph had scored some early baskets but had been stymied by an aggressive Thunder double team. Additionally, the Grizzlies were continuing their putrid shooting, hitting less than 40% of their field goals. Furthermore, the Thunder couldn’t be stopped offensively, shooting over 55% from the field.
And then the second half happened. Z-Bo came alive, hitting fallaways over Serge Ibaka that left the big Congolese shaking his head. Randolph also employed a bevy of scoop shots and up-and-unders to keep the Thunder guessing and the Grindhouse crowd energized. Not since Game 1 of the series has Z-Bo completely taken over a game like he did last night. Not to be outdone, point guard Mike Conley hit some big shots of his own, including a spinning layup that essentially sealed the win.
If you count Shane Battier’s three, as the first half buzzer sounded, as part of the second half, Memphis outscored Oklahoma City 54-29 in the second half. Numbers don’t do it justice; we owned the Thunder in the second half last night. Superstar Kevin Durant couldn’t buy a basket, Westbrook couldn’t operate as freely as he had in the first, and OKC’s bigs were stymied by Randolph and Marc Gasol.
Besides the game itself, the FedEx Grindhouse was an incredible atmosphere last night. The Reverend Al Green sang a moving National Anthem, The King Jerry Lawler beat up a (Grizzlies rep disguised as a) Thunder fan with a chair, and the capacity crowd cheered just as loudly as any other game. I’ve said this before, but you really had to be there…
A couple of my GrizzLife colleagues, Ross, Big Shot, and P-Bill will invade enemy territory and go to Game 7 cheering for the Grizzlies. Win or lose, their report should be a good one.
Last night renewed my hope in the Memphis Grizzlies. Although no one in the national media is giving us a chance, I believe that we can win Game 7 and advance to the Western Conference Finals. To all you Grizz fans out there, break out whatever rabbit’s foot equivalent you have, wear your lucky article of clothing, or sit in that special chair in your living. Wherever you watch the game, cheer loud and wave your growl towel. Most importantly, though, believe.
All heart, grit, grind,
Owen
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