Shots ring out in a Memphis sky…
When I was seven, my dad sat me down in the car and said he had to play something for me. He took out his cassette tape of The Unforgettable Fire and skipped the first song. Within seconds, the unmistakable guitar riff started and I was hooked. I didn’t know it at the time, but this was a day of firsts. It was the first time I had heard of U2 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We drove around Geneva and Ashtabula, Ohio listening to that song for hours. When he found time, he would explain what the man stood for and why it was important to learn more about him. I kept asking for a reason why someone would kill him, but my dad didn’t have one.
Memphis and the Legacy
My daughter and I often watch the NBA together. It’s something that allows us to spend time together and opens up avenues for conversations. She’s 16, and so whenever that can happen, I enjoy it. The Grizzlies played the 76ers on Saturday and during a timeout, there was a video of Dr. King and his assassination in Memphis. My daughter immediately turned to me and said, “…he was assassinated?” This led to me explaining the horrible details and like me 33 years before her asking why someone would kill him. I didn’t have an answer that satisfied her. We sat in silence for a few minutes and continued watching the game. I could tell in that silence she was thinking and that’s the beauty of Dr. King’s legacy – he continues to make people think and hopefully inspires them to make the world a better place.
Ja makes Basketball fun again
The game was a fun one to watch, with Ja Morant supplying a few highlights in his first game back. Scoring 17 points and instantly lifting a lethargic 4th quarter effort by the Grizzlies to a win over one of the best teams in the league. As an NBA fan, I didn’t know how much the NBA needed the 6’3 point guard from Murray State until he was injured. Ja is joy on the court and watching him play basketball should give all Memphis fans hope.
This next month is key
With the Grizzlies being at .500, the next month of the season is going to be crucial in deciding whether the team makes the playoffs. With key games against the Lakers, Suns, Blazers, Spurs, and Pelicans. The Grizzlies must be better than .500 in these games, as only 2.5 games separate them from either the third seed or last place in the West.
Staying and Getting Healthy
Let’s assume Ja continues his amazing play and stays healthy. The next question that needs to be answered is where is Jaren Jackson Jr.? The Grizzlies have been quiet about his return, but JJJ recently stated that he is getting close. If he returns within the next couple of weeks then the Grizzlies should be competing for a top-four spot in the West. Tonight, the Grizzlies face the Suns in what should be a great matchup. There is a huge difference between being a good team in the NBA and being great. The road to greatness for the Grizzlies starts tonight.
