In March we discussed the NBA's best kept secret...the under the radar rivalry between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies. What's so special about this rivalry? The fact that both teams' current identities were essentially birthed from it (http://plcolter.blogspot.com/2014/05/grizzlies-thunder-have-each-other-to.html).
If that's not enough, then throw on the tape of their 2011 and 2014 playoff encounters. I challenge anyone to find 14 more entertaining games.
But I digress.
The previous post was written just prior to last year's game 7, a game in which Zach Randolph was suspended for throwing a "punch" at OKC reserve Steven Adams in game 6. Z-Bo was torching the Thunder to the tune of 18 points and 8 rebounds in the series, and GrizzNation was crying foul. After all, Memphis had already won on the Thunder's home court their last trip there.
Conspiracy theorists were claiming that Durant...fresh off his tear jerking MVP acceptance speech...would be given every "opportunity" to advance. I personally find that laughable...but entertaining none the less.
What is it about these two teams?
Fast forward to today, and it seems as if the game 7 loss to the Thunder motivated Memphis in a way that we haven't seen.
Like literally.
For starters, the Grizzlies are 4-0 for the first time in franchise history. That's significant in itself because they hadn't won a season opener in over a decade. Last year's start was particularly brutal, sitting near the basement floor of the Western Conference as late as December. They clawed (no pun intended) their way back into playoff contention and still posted a 50 win season.
An incredible feat given the strength of the West last year.
A strong start is a recipe for success for a team that's known for closing strong. If Memphis can squeak by Phoenix tonight (road underdog) they have a few "winnable" games to follow (No KD OKC, Milwaukee, L.A. Lakers, Sacramento, Detroit).
Optimist could be looking at an 11-0, 10-1 start to the season. A critical cushion as they resume division play against Houston after that stretch...who by the way..is also undefeated at 5-0. And let's not forget Dallas (playoffs last year) and the defending champion Spurs.
Monday night, Memphis made franchise history once again, winning their 16th straight regular season home game..dating back to last season. How fitting to occur on the 10 year anniversary of the opening of the "Grind House" FedEx Forum.
A historic start to a season that's less than a month old. How can Grizzlies fans not be excited?
If Memphis continues to push history's boundaries...then a few more feats could be on the horizon this season....
1. Division Title
2. Conference Finals Victory
3. Finals Appearance
Any and all three would be a welcomed site in the we don't Bluff City. And who would GrizzNation have to thank? You guessed it.
OKC.
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