NBA Lockout: Memphis Grizzlies Lose First 7 Easy Games
The Memphis Grizzlies would have been be looking at an easy first seven games to the season following their first playoff series victory. To start the 2011-12 season, the Grizzlies would have played six of their seven games against teams with losing records.
This easy start would have given the Grizzlies a refreshing start. Such a start would have shown how focused the Grizzlies are on stepping to the next level. Also, the Grizzlies would have shown how they benefited from practicing together during the lockout.
The Grizzlies will miss attaining an edge on the tough Western Conference contenders. Following is a look at the games the Grizzlies will miss.
November 2 @ Los Angeles Clippers
1 of 7To start the season, the Grizzlies will have an easy match against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Perhaps, the game will be a bit more challenging than it seems on its face. The Clippers were 32-50 last season, but split the four-game season series against the Grizzlies.
The Clippers won the last meeting, 110-103, in the last game of the regular season.
Blake Griffin was spectacular in the season finale against the Grizzlies, attaining a triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
November 3 @ Utah Jazz
2 of 7The Grizzlies would have played their second game against a somewhat more challenging opponent in the Utah Jazz. The Jazz struggled to a 39-43 record last season.
The Jazz were much different after trading Deron Williams. The Grizzlies split the four-game season series with the Jazz last season.
In the last meeting, the Grizzlies won 103-85. Zach Randolph had a nice game, pulling down 13 rebounds to go with 19 points.
November 5 vs. Charlotte Bobcats
3 of 7For their first home game, the Grizzlies would have played the Charlotte Bobcats. The Bobcats scratched out a 34-48 record last season.
The Grizzlies split the two-game season series with the Bobcats.
In their last meeting, on January 10, the Bobcats won 96-82. The Grizzlies shot a poor 39 percent clip.
Stephen Jackson deposited 27 points for the Bobcats.
November 8 vs. Phoenix Suns
4 of 7Next, the Grizzlies would have faced the Phoenix Suns at home. The Suns struggled to a 40-42 record, their first losing season in seven years.
Steve Nash may start looking like Old Man Buckets soon. Nash, 37, will be entering his 16th season as a pro.
Last season, the Grizzlies and Suns split two exciting games. Both went into overtime. The Grizzlies won the most recent affair.
On December 8, 2010, the Grizzlies won 104-98 in Phoenix. Randolph had a double-double, with 34 points and 17 rebounds.
November 11 @ Dallas Mavericks
5 of 7The Grizzlies would have faced their first big challenge of the new season against the defending champion Dallas Mavericks in their fifth game.
The Grizzlies could have felt good about their chances. In the 2010-11 season, the Grizzlies won three of four meetings with the Mavericks.
In the last meeting, on March 6, the Grizzlies won 104-103. Randolph had 27 points and nine rebounds.
Jason Terry scored 26 for the Mavericks.
November 12 vs. Raptors
6 of 7The Grizzlies would have next faced the bumbling Toronto Raptors at home. The Raptors had the third-worst record in the NBA last year at 22-60.
The Grizzlies won both meetings with the Raptors, their old foe up north back when the Grizzlies played in Vancouver.
In their last meeting, the Grizzlies won 100-98. Rudy Gay led the Grizzlies with 21 points and seven rebounds. Andrea Bargnani scored a game-high 29 points.
November 14 vs. Kings
7 of 7Next, the Grizzlies would have faced the Sacramento Kings. The Kings were last in the Pacific Division last year at 24-58.
The Grizzlies won three of four games against the Kings last year.
The Grizzlies won the last meeting 101-96. Randolph led the winning effort with 27 points, 15 rebounds, and four steals.
The Grizzlies held the Kings to 3-of-18 (.167) on three-point attempts.
