Memphis Grizzlies: "No-Stats Superstar" Celebrates

With still three seconds left in regulation, Shane Battier raised his arms up with closed fists in victory. All the fiery emotions, doubts and uncertainties have all been answered.

This is an extra special win for Battier.

As a franchise, the Grizzlies have only been to the playoffs three times (from 2004 to 2006), and all three ended with a 0-4 sweep in the first round. Battier was there when they were humiliated, bruised and ridiculed. He could still remember all those frustrations as they shook their heads with disappointment.

Five years later, Shane came back to Memphis carrying a sense of urgency and undeterred determination.  He vowed to never feel the way it all ended up on his last playoff trip with the Grizzlies.

Back then they had Pau Gasol, Damon Stoudemire and Eddie Jones for their offense, and now they only have Zach Randolph and a cast of role players. He was never the vocal type, but Battier feels this is the time to change the team’s identity. They have the size, the versatility and youth. Somehow, someone has to step up and lead this team. He has never been in same breath with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, but he has always been the person assigned to guard them.

Battier was dubbed the “No-Stats Superstar”—neglecting personal achievements and offense just to help his team. He was there drawing charges, setting up picks and guarding the best player on the opposing team. I remember one crucial game when Battier asked his coach to bench him after seeing Kobe Bryant getting subbed in the game. It was always his unselfishness that became his best asset.

Battier knew if they ever want to advance past the first round, they will have to embrace the sense of unselfishness. They will have to play as a team, fight every game like it’s their last. That’s his mentality and he wants them to embrace that thought, getting them tough physically and mentally.

Their win against San Antonio not only made history—as the fourth eight seeded team to win a first round playoff series, but it was extra sweet to them since it was the Spurs that swept them in the 2004 playoffs.

Battier with his arms raised and his fists closed, celebrated this bittersweet victory. It’s still a long way to go before the finals, and there is no way to relax against the much younger and athletic Oklahoma City Thunder. But for a moment, it was something to cherish.

For once, this was a time to be selfish and celebrate. They made history and they rightfully deserve it.