The Memphis Grizzlies have quietly been one of the most consistent teams in the league the last several years after bringing their core four of Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, and Tony Allen together.
The Grizzlies are one of just three teams to reach the playoffs in each of the last six seasons (San Antonio, Atlanta). The Spurs have locked up another playoff berth this season and the Hawks seem poised to join them in extending the streak.
As for the Grizzlies? It depends on which team you're talking about....Jekyll Memphis or Hyde Memphis.
The NBA's bipolar franchise from the Bluff City is currently amidst a roller coaster ride of streaks...and it's driving their fans nuts.
It all started around the All Star Break. Memphis lost their last game before the break to New Orleans, and followed that up with a dud on the road against the Indiana Pacers in their first game back in action.
Then the Grizzlies seemed to turn it around with back to back wins over Denver and Phoenix.
From there the bottom seemed to fall out starting with a four point loss at Dallas that turned into a season-long five game losing streak. The low point being a home loss to the dreadful Brooklyn Nets.
Grizzlies analyst Brevin Knight coined this phrase during that television broadcast..."Partner...we have officially hit rock bottom".
Or did they?
Jekyll Memphis emerged from that five-game fiasco to rattle off four straight wins against teams in or battling for a playoff position. They even knocked off a fully loaded San Antonio Spurs team during that stretch.
But then, Mr. Hyde Memphis reared it's ugly head again and the Grizzlies are currently in the midst of a four-game losing streak. The last loss, a 91-90 defeat to the lowly Sacrament Kings last night, was unacceptable given the tightness of the Western Conference playoff race....even without All Star center Marc Gasol.
So what now?
Well...the Grizzlies take on the Pacers at home on Wednesday night, followed by a home tilt vs the Mavs on Friday night and an early afternoon tip off with the Lakers Sunday afternoon.
A week-long sweep should not be too much to ask...but then again....
With less than 10 games to play and clinging to a four game lead over the suddenly surging Nuggets and Trailblazers, the 7th seed Grizzlies desperately need their winning alter ego to re-take control of the wheel....and the streak.
If it doesn't...then the playoff streak could end at six for Memphis.
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