Memphis Grizzlies reserve O.J. Mayo is gaining a reputation for hitting the big shot in crunch time. He snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with timely 3 point shooting on several occasions this season, but last night was the most impressive by far. Having scored only three points, Mayo entered the game in the fourth quarter with the Grizzlies down by six. He immediately ran off 10 straight points to take the lead, and sealed the victory with a clutch 3 point shot in the closing seconds. "Juice" finished the game with 20 points, and another confidence building performance. What I love most about this story is that no one saw this coming, but Mayo.
Last year was a far different story for O.J. to say the least. Once a starter averaging 18 points per game, Mayo found himself falling out of favor with the organization with his erratic behavior and production. Then came the suspension for using a banned substance. Then came the beat down from fellow teammate Tony Allen (pun intended...Allen really dotted Mayo up). Then came the trade rumors....all of them. There was a deal in place to send O.J. to Indiana, but it fell through. Imaging the humility of having to go back out there and play for Memphis after that series of embarrassing events?
O.J. Mayo has accepted, and even flourished in his role as the first man off the bench. His teammates and coaches rave about his maturity, and even expressed divine thanks that the original trade fell through. Credit Mayo for continuing to believe in himself when the chips were down. I applaud anyone (whether they play professional sports or not) who can bounce back from a mistake or two and make the most of their second chance. Mayo went from odd man out to possible sixth man of the year this season. I'm rooting for him to win....as a fan and as a human being. follow @plcolter
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