5 Positive Moments from Memphis Grizzlies Opening Night

The Memphis Grizzlies may have lost opening night against the New Orleans Pelicans but the evening wasn’t all bad. Here are five of the best things that happened during opening night.

wide shot of crowd and court inside Fedex forum during memphis grizzlies opening night

Jalyn Souchek

1. Zach Randolph and Tony Allen Introduce Starters

tony allen and ZBO announcing the grizzlies starting lineup tonight, MY HEART pic.twitter.com/31EyRTj5Jz
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) October 26, 2023

Maybe the most wholesome moment I’ve seen in FedEx Forum yet was the return of ZBo and Tony Allen, kings of the Grit and Grind era, to the main court to each individually introduce the starting lineup of the Grizzlies. Give it a watch above.

2. New Hype Video

Loved the new hype video ? pic.twitter.com/MFB4GLcFYj
— ♥️ I Love Memphis Blog (@ilovememphis) October 26, 2023

New season = new hype video. I love a good hype video that makes you want to run through a brick wall. Tony Allen narrated this year’s video which really tapped into the team and city connection while referencing the Grit and Grind era. This season is all about getting back to that – back to the grind.

3. Standing O for DRose

Memphis gives Derrick Rose a standing ovation as he checks in for first time.

Immediately records his first assist. pic.twitter.com/mJK2DZPZfd
— Jessica Benson (@jessbensontv) October 26, 2023

The return of Derrick Rose, was made official when he came off the bench in the first regular season game to a standing ovation from the crowd. The moment was made that much better when he immediately getting his first assist with a great dish to David Roddy for a three.

4. Prose With Rose

Prose with Rose???? D Rose reading Three 6 Mafia lyrics???? Unreal. Absolutely incredible. pic.twitter.com/cu4NxOMGRd
— alana peery (@alanapeery) October 26, 2023

Keeping with DRose here. The Grizzlies elevated their in-game experience with the jumbotron graphics. I wasn’t sure if it was a new one or if they just learned to use it better but it was much improved. One of the new segments debuted opening night was “Prose With Rose” where a robe-wearing Rose sits and reads to you. Last night’s video debut was the reciting of Three 6’s “Poppin’ My Collar.”

5. Bane Puts On

Desmond Bane will be an All Star this year. Mark my words. pic.twitter.com/OOxaC6gvbo
— Growl Towel Central (@GTC901) October 26, 2023

An opening night loss is about as disappointing as it gets. The positive energy leading into a new season gets sucked out of you. Thankfully, there’s 81 more games. But, on a positive note, for the night, Desmond Bane tried his best to keep the Grizzlies in it – netting 31 points. And no, it's not too early for the All Star conversation here.

Missed Opening Night? Check out the full season and promotional giveaway schedule.

About the Author

Hello! I'm Jalyn Souchek, the Director of Content for I Love Memphis Blog! I love calling the 901 home. When I'm not running the blog you can find me cheering on the Grizzlies, at a concert, exploring a new restaurant or kicking back at one of our breweries. I hope you'll love experiencing Memphis with me.

Build your perfect Memphis meal:

I love to eat so if I were to have only one meal left.. I’m going all out. I’d start with an app of Gumbo Fries from Blue City Cafe or Bayou Fries from Chef Tam, wings from Good Fortune or Central’s (honey gold and Jamaican Jerk), potato salad from Fat Larry’s, side of bbq spaghetti from Bar-B-Q Shop, and fried okra from Soul Fish. All paired with a Beale Street Brewing Space Age Sippin’.

Your most memorable Memphis moment:

College GameDay on Beale Street. That was an electric and perfect morning. I was still working in news then and was able to take it in up close and on the stage at some points. The fun and joy of everyone down there that morning is unbeatable.