(I Still) Believe Memphis.

(I Still) Believe Memphis.

I still believe.

Let's be clear - the Grizzlies' time in the 2011 NBA playoffs was never actually about basketball. At least, not in Memphis.

It was about proving to ourselves and the world that, despite flood water and grit and everything else, Memphis is a force to be believed in.

I mean, it was also about basketball - nothing brings Memphians together quite like our collective fandom - but it was about so much more than that for us. And by us, I mean everyone who ever thought that the Grizzlies could beat Oklahoma. And everyone who thought they could beat the Spurs. And everyone who grew a playoff beard in anticipation of just one win.

We would have taken just one, and we were given seven. And because of that, I sill believe.

This year's Grizzlies weren't perfect. They missed shots, they bricked free throws, they lost. But, they never gave up. Even when I had walked out of the Hi-Tone in frustration during the fourth quarter of yesterday's game, the Grizzlies were still on the court, grinding.

Going into the fourth quarter of yesterday's game, down by a lot, everyone at the Hi-Tone was cautiously optimistic. The team had pulled bigger miracle wins out of nowhere. They would at least force overtime. Besides, it's not Memphis basketball until we get a collective civic aneurysm.

The loss was disappointing, but not depressing. For the first time ever, we've warmed up to the Grizzlies - all it took was one magical team on one big, record-setting playoff run. They were like us - funny, eloquent, stubborn, and full of heart, grit and grind.

So, thank you Grizzlies. Thank you for everything you've done for the city's collective spirit. Thank you for making me emotionally invested in basketball in mid-May. Thank you for not giving up.

Comments Make Us Happy

5
Leave a Comment
The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
sarah strong
amen, and can't wait til next season!
May 16, 2011 1:00pm
Len Pipkin
"They were like us – funny, eloquent, stubborn, and full of heart, grit and grind..." Beautiful summation, and spot on. Memphis, and all who inhabit its confines, and they whom it dwells within, are so seemingly disparate from each other; though, we share a humanity, a sense of place, a bond like few other locales. Always in some flux: between changes and traditions, between rural and urban mores... a spiritual geography... its either understood or it is not; but if so, there is nowhere else you would rather be. This season, this squad showed us that! When ready, just rise above perceived differences and reach out, embracing what is here; in one sweep of comprehension you'll realize what you've been taking for granted far too long.
May 16, 2011 1:00pm
muzikbynature
Great run! Stellar season! Proud of you Grizz!!!
May 16, 2011 1:09pm
kelsey
Welcome home, boys.
May 16, 2011 1:10pm
Aaron Brame
Here's a sentence that Memphians don't get to say very often: I'm proud as hell of our team, and I can't wait until next year.
May 16, 2011 2:08pm