Grizzlies Western Conference Finals

I had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, but the highlight was going to Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals with my parents and brother! I'd never been to an NBA playoff game before, and in fact had only been to ONE Grizzlies game of any kind. (Mostly due to ticket costs and lack of game companions, although the Tigers are my priority, and even I can only go to so many basketball games.)

Fans on Beale before the game

 

The Grizzlies have never advanced this far in the entire history of the team. The past couple of months have been amazing here in Memphis. Basketball unites this city like nothing else! Throughout the playoffs, I've seen more and more Grizzlies growl towels in apartment windows, in car windows, on yard signs, and even on babies. (See also: 5 Places You'd Least Expect to See a Grizzlies Growl Towel.) On a Midtown bike ride last weekend, I even saw a giant Grizz head made from Christmas lights.
 

 

We made a point of getting into the stadium early, partly because we were afraid someone would take our towels!

 

 

 

The national anthem was sung by Kris Thomas, a Memphian who made it to the top 10 on The Voice and was just eliminated last week. (Sarah Simmons, another Memphian, is still in the running.) I don't watch the show, but he's very talented! Aside: all this time I've been waiting for Justin Timberlake to show up at a game (he's part owner of the team), but it never happened.

 

  

 

 

 

 

Sadly, the game didn't go so well. The first quarter was awesome, but things went downhill from there. We lost 104-93 in overtime. While the towels are intended for holding up and whirling around, they're also great for hiding your face and/or drying tears. ;) I was really looking forward to celebrating in the streets, but despite the loss, the game was a fantastic experience!




 

Last night, the Grizz lost the second home game of the series, ending the season and advancing the Spurs to the NBA championships. But watching it at home, I was very glad to see the fans still standing and cheering at the end of the game. I'm so proud of this team and this city. Next season will be here before we know it!!