As the Memphis Grizzlies advance into the NBA Playoffs with exciting momentum, the city of Memphis and surrounding areas have come together to support a team, a goal, and city. Though the Grizzlies have never secured an NBA Championship title, Memphis will tell you that this very well could be the year. Here are the top ten reasons why you should #BelieveMemphis:
1. Whether or not you like basketball, you have to love this city. Nothing unites a city like cheering on a team of 15 players towards a win. And nothing parallels the feeling of walking down Beale Street on a game day, and feeling the buzz of excitement and pride from your fellow Memphians. Whether you are marching to the beat of the Grizzline, or flipping out over the Beale Street Flippers, you can expect to see Grizz Fans on Beale.
2. All Heart. The Grizzlies pour their hearts not only into the game, but into the community. The franchise is involved with fundraising for hundreds of organizations, and provides tickets through their own Tickets For Kids Program. One of the biggest services to the community from the Grizz, is the Memphis Grizzlies House at St. Jude. The Children's Research Hospital is close to the heart of so many, and the Grizzlies are not excluded. The team supports the house and the hospital on a regular basis through visiting patients, donating tickets, and raising money. And Marc Gasol plays tea party- come on!
3. How can you not raise your growl towel to the best center in the league?? Starter Marc Gasol, famed brother of former Grizzly and current Chicago Bull, Pau Gasol, helped the Grizzlies rank second during the regular season. The 7'1 NBA All-star, known to Memphis as "Big Spain", proves himself with big buckets and bigger defense. CBS Sports even titles him as the best big man in the NBA.
4. Starting forward Zach Randolph, known to Grizz nation as "ZBO", melted the hearts of fans around the country this season, as he graciously gave his warm-up shirt to a dedicated fan with down syndrome. ZBO proves that he will do anything for his fans, even giving them the shirt off his back.
Following ZBO, the young boy has received love from other players throughout the season, including Marc Gasol. If this doesn't make your heart all warm and fuzzy, nothing will.
5. Mike Conley, starting point guard, faced an immense amount of adversity towards the end of round one in the playoffs, as he suffered from a facial fracture, requiring surgery and some recovery time. After 10 days away from the game, with a team and a city on eggshells, Conley came back, masked and ready for war. Conley's debut after surgery in Oakland vs. the Golden State Warriors was a battle for the books, as he lead Memphis to a coveted win at the Oracle Arena with 22 points. Conley outscored Stephen Curry, who was crowned as NBA's most valuable player that night, by 3 points. His return spurred the team to break the Warriors' 21-game home winning streak, joining the Bulls and the Spurs as the third team to win in Oakland this season. Teammate Tony Allen even graced him with the nickname "One-Eyed-Charlie." We love ya Charlie!
6. The city of Memphis has come to know and love one special Grizz fan, more commonly known as the "Bongo Lady." Her enthusiasm for the Bongo-Cam landed her her own jersey and a spot on Good Morning America. Unrivaled in the FedEx forum, Bongo Lady reps everything the Grizzlies stand for. All Heart, Grit Grind!
8. If you're from Memphis, you know who the "Grindfather" is. Memphis' leading defensive player Tony Allen stakes his claim in the Grindhouse every single game. Beloved by the city of Memphis, the Grindfather embodies the heart and soul of Memphis. His personality, along with his grindfather flex, gets his teammates and the crowd excited play after play. During playoff game two versus the Golden State Warriors, Tony Chanted "First Team, All Defense" emphasizing the confidence he has in his team.
9. As if you needed any more reasons to #BelieveMemphis, here's one that will surely hook you. Justin Timberlake, Memphis native, Grizz super fan, oh yeah and part franchise owner, supports the Grizzlies like no other. He even has potentially the youngest (and cutest) mini-grizz fan there is, and proudly shows him off on his Instagram account. You're not feeling the Grizz? Well Cry Me a River because we are bringing GrizzlyBack.
10. It all comes down to this: In this game, it's not Memphis VS Everybody. It's Memphis VS ERRRBODY. So throw up that growl towel, put on that Grizz gear, and tweet out that you #BelieveMemphis. Because really, why wouldn't you?
