Michael Wallace
@MyMikeCheck
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Sr. Editor, Contributor & Analyst for Grind City Media at https://t.co/omP38wK9ua effective Oct. 2016. God is good! Always. https://t.co/2IHkfDQwSr
Joined October 2010
On Tuesday, I lost my beautiful Queen, best friend and wife of 21 years after a brief, brave cancer battle. As brutally hard as this hits our young fam, @justlashaun can now Rest In Peace and eternal prosperity. Thank you for being a great mom, wife and everything else.🙏❤️❤️
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So basically in the East . LeBron ended Pistons' mid-2000s conference stranglehold. Stomped out Soulja Boy's Wizards. Went to Miami to clip Boston's Big 3 run, smashed the budding Rose Bulls, smothered PG's upstart Pacers, and ruined the Raptors. all in a decade's work.
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Shoutout and much respect to Yuki Kawamura. The @memgrizz camp invitee starred at Paris Olympics as Japan’s 5-8 dynamo point guard. Yuki tested his English with us before speaking to Asian media members on excitement to play with Ja and Edey. “Ja is too fast … and he can fly!”
Follow our continuing @grindcitymedia Day2 coverage of @memgrizz Training Camp, presented by @OrthoSouth_. Coming up, our sitdown with Santi Aldama on stepping up more as Jaren recovers from hamstring strain. @PetePranica joins me to recap Day 2, preview Day 3. Plus, my column
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First reaction from Ja Morant after the draft lottery unfolded in Chicago. Grizzlies hold the No. 2 pick entering the June 20 @NBA Draft.
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It takes more than this to warrant a spirited response from Ja Morant. I tried …
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Grizzlies are signing Atlantic-10 Defensive POY Yuta Watanabe to two-year, 2-Way contract. Watanabe is a 6-9 forward from George Washington who played with Nets in Vegas Summer League. To make room for Watanabe, Grizzlies releasing swingman Myke Henry, who missed summer league.
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Paul Pierce is known for the hyperbole. But he might have a point on what he just said on ESPN halftime NBA show:. "This kid right here, he should be an All-Star this year. THIS YEAR.".
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I love Memphis. I kneel with Memphis, united, tonight.
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Briante Weber said he was in Memphis initially to play against the G League Hustle, then saw on Twitter he was being signed by the Grizzlies to a 10-day contract. "Then my agent called and said go over to the other hotel."
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Special moment in @memgrizz locker room in Chicago when legendary @chicagobulls reporter, columnist & historian Sam Smith comes in to congratulate Scotty Pippen Jr. on his career performance. Very classy and historic gesture by the man who chronicled Pippen Sr’s dynasty teams.
“it’s a dream come true. it’s crazy to say i put 30 and 10 up in the gym where my dad had played.” . Scotty Pippen Jr. on his career night 🔥🔥. @MyMikeCheck
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Vogel: "We're competing against the Jordan of our era, the Bulls of our era, and you have to tip your hats to them.".
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One cool story: Vince Carter saying he couldn't sleep after series loss to Spurs, wound up playing 'Words with Friends' at 4am with Conley.
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The @memgrizz are signing forward Bruno Caboclo to a multiyear deal that includes the rest of this season and next season, I'm told. Deal comes after Bruno concluded his second 10-day contract in Tuesday's loss to the Spurs. Bruno averaged 6.3ppg, 3.1rpg & 1.2bpg in 9 MEM games.
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Follow our continuing @grindcitymedia Day1 coverage of @memgrizz Training Camp, presented by @OrthoSouth_. Coming soon, our sitdown with Marcus Smart on setting new tone in Memphis. @PetePranica joins to preview Day 2. Plus, Japanese rookie Yuki Kawamura is a top attraction:
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Fizdale tells it like it is and gives respect when respect's due. Peep this story on Westbrook and Beasley from the 2008 predraft workouts.
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I live Memphis. I love Memphis. And right now, I’m praying for peace, safety and perspective in Memphis. And, nah, I won’t stick to sports on this one.
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Heat players follow Clippers lead and turn their warmup shirts inside out before Game 4 vs Bobcats. http://t.co/8gWln67Ngs.
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Appears that Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill have left the warm-up line and could be held out tonight against Mavs as trade deadline approaches.
As of now, doesn't appear any available @memgrizz players have been scratched late for tonight's game. But things are always fluid on eve of trade deadline. Tip vs Mavs is in 20 minutes. Grizz want to win this game and climb above .500 for 1st time this season.
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Conley finishes with playoff career-high 35 pts, 9 rebs, 8asts, 3stls and big-time postgame hug from infant son Myles after Game 4 OT win.
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Wade on crowd reaction to LeBron: "That's the way it should have been. There's no reason to say anything negative here about LeBron James.".
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Cavs showing love to @memgrizz players and staffers with local/state ties.
No. 1 in the East vs. No. 2 in the West 👀. courtside road report with @MyMikeCheck ahead of tonight’s cavs-grizz game ⤵️
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Hottest and most unselfish team in Western Conference right now!.
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Grizzlies trading Shelvin Mack to Atlanta for guard Tyler Dorsey.
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Conley, for first time this season, getting some well-deserved "MVP" chants.
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Best part of this incredible photo is the pure, kid-like joy Jaren takes in seeing Ja take flight.
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@thefishnation @grindcitymedia @memgrizz @NBA The prospective No. 1 Zion Williamson stops by the Lottery stage this morning and touched each team's desk spot, including a certain special one!
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Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace announces in email moments ago to MVP season-ticket holders that Mike Conley will require season-ending surgery "to smooth a small bone protrusion" in his left heel. Conley is expected to make a full recovery ahead of training camp.
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I'll say this for @memgrizz front office . if they did nothing more than effectively execute Conley trade & unload Parsons this offseason, it would have been a great summer. But add the Ja pick, future draft assets, financial flexibility and re-signing Jonas, its clear homerun.
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Heat already had strong conditioning culture when Ray arrived. But he raised it to an insane level, which really influenced LeBron & Wade.
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Dwyane Wade's family members in Chicago texted they were even shocked that Wade being a Bull actually happened.
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Marc absolutely lit up when he saw @grindcitymedia was there to see him play tonight. He wrapped up media obligations, then gave me a quick 1-on-1, just like old times. Lol. His reaction speaks for itself. We both hope to catch up again, with him in @NBA Finals. Thanks @MarcGasol.
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Morant on the challenges and opportunities the @memgrizz face while adjusting to playing at a faster pace.
Ja Morant insisted after the game that his ankle will be fine. Said he’s able to walk fine and he’s “all good.” Clearly didn’t want to make the ankle a topic of discussion. Focused instead on the effort his team made in winning preseason opener, and improvements ahead.
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Conley, speaking after shootaround at OKC hours before trade deadline, says reports of him preferring to go East if traded are inaccurate. “I’ll play anywhere. I never ran from a conference . ”
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Fizdale's $30K fine by the NBA for critical comments about the officiating will be paid by Grizzlies sponsorship partner ServiceMaster.
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As Jenkins and @memgrizz’s revamped coaching staff implements a new offense, Ja Morant spoke about the adjustment process from his role as on-court catalyst:. Grizz wrapped up Day 1 of camp:
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Speaking of Vince Carter, season just ended but he's in weightroom working out next door to press conference room. Music thumping thru door.
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D-Wade on course to play full Miami career w/o ever being top-paid player on any Heat team (E.Jones, Shaq, Marion, J.O'Neal, LeBron, Bosh).
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Whiteside reflected again on amazing journey. Remembers as a HS kid watching Wade win 2006 title w/Shaq. Now, he's catching lobs from him.
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The scene inside @memgrizz Training Camp Day 1 at Ensworth in Nashville. Stay tuned for all of our coverage at @grindcitymedia.
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Spurs playing like they're not even aware of the scoreboard. Just hell bent on destruction right now.
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On behalf of my family, thank you for the prayers, love and support. From Miami to Memphis and well beyond!.
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Just spotted Tyreke leaving Bankers Life Fieldhouse, and he will no longer be with the Grizzlies for tonight's game against the Pacers. Nothing imminent, but obviously trade discussions intensifying. If dealt, Evans believes he'll definitely be headed to a playoff team.
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Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union set to lead more than 1,000 MIA citizens & police on the D-Wade Community Bike Ride
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Been around pro sports franchises for 25+ years. Few teams honor their former players and legends with as much class and genuine love than @memgrizz. Congrats Tony Allen!.
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If this holds, this outcome is not about the Heat not showing up. They were taken out of their game by Pacers. Outworked.
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I needed the hope I saw TONIGHT from Memphis. Needed it to offset the hurt in my heart for being stopped on my jog TODAY by police officer suggesting I was trespassing on what's clearly public property. On part of path I jog EVERY DAMN DAY. We got thru it peacefully. #thankfully.
You are peaceful. You are strong. You are Memphis. Memphis, Tennessee i’m proud of you.
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Be safe. Be graceful. Tell someone you love them. And stack your plate … just like I did!!!
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Beautiful scene in Minnesota. Teammates mob Derrick Rose after his career-high 50 points, and defensive stand at end, finish off Jazz by 3. Rose in tears. Wow.
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Wishing coach Steve Kerr speedy recovery from chronic back issues. Total class act. As gracious off camera/record as what you see in public.
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Meanwhile, Ja Morant doing extensive shooting work after practice on 3-pt ball as @memgrizz wrap up Day 2 of camp.
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Most impressive thing about what Spurs are doing is that they still haven't had a true breakout game from Duncan, Parker or Ginobili.
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Fizdale still coaching hard, hasn't changed demeanor. He's about to get first career playoff win. Grizz getting first at home since 2015.
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Caught up with Ja postgame after he scored 30+ for third time in 4 games as @memgrizz win 4th straight. Grizz had 27 combined blocks & steals. And Ja also says his Western Conference player of week honor is a team award.
Last week the Grizzlies beat the Pelicans in Ja Morant's return. This week Marcus Smart returns. @mymikecheck is courtside ahead of tonight's game.
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Congrats to the Spurs. They'll soon be making room up there for a fifth banner. http://t.co/quwTwHBfiX.
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Word is new Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas has been cleared via immigration process to make his Memphis debut tonight vs Spurs.
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Ja Morant getting loose with the fresh kicks
Shootaround vibes from Brooklyn, where @memgrizz putting in work ahead of tonight’s game against the Nets.
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Westbrook is regular-season MVP and Kevin Durant is Finals MVP same season. Just imagine if those two put their talents together. Oh, wait.
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Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on Mike Conley: "He made every big play. It's early right now but if he's not an All-Star that will be a crime.".
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Eddie Robinson told me this at Grambling about sports/life: Sometimes takes an overwhelming breakdown to get to an undeniable breakthrough.
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Class act by Heat. Spoelstra and entire coaching staff came to visitors locker room to congratulate Fizdale's Memphis staff after the game.
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What’s the Morant Mindset as @memgrizz gear up for postseason run?. “Just be Ja!”. Morant has had magical moments against the Warriors. He and the squad will need another dose to win Tuesday’s SoFi Play-In Tournament game. My latest @grindcitymedia MikeCheck column from The Bay.
"There is no tomorrow. You do whatever you can today, and then go day by day.". Read more from @MyMikeCheck as the Grizzlies head to play Golden State:
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Still love KD's game. LeBron came to Miami to build champ alongside Wade, Bosh. KD basically going to GSW to hop on ready-made parade float.
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A key step in on-ramp to returning from foot surgery rehab. Hearing a stronger, more explosive GG has had absolutely dominant stretches in recent workouts. Did some extensive on-court work during pregame of last week’s road trip.
The @memgrizz have assigned GG Jackson II to the @MemphisHustle for the Hustle’s practice today. Jackson II will be recalled to the Grizzlies following practice.
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Mike Conley has been the inspiration for this performance, but Tony Allen has been the star - so far. Still time left.
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Astonishing stat: Grizzlies have been outscored by 60 points in the 66 total minutes Mike Conley has been off the court in series vs Spurs.
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The @memgrizz holding a series of private pre-draft workouts in Memphis, starting today. Among notable expected today are:. Marlon Hunter Jr. (Jacksonville State).Anthony Lawrence (Miami).Skylar Mays (LSU).Matt McQuaid (Michigan St.).Juwan Morgan (Indiana).Josh Reaves (Penn St.).
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The @MemphisHustle new Big 3, Yuta @wacchi1013 Watanabe, Jevon @nextlevel_03 Carter and DJ @DdotJAY30 Stephens at Hustle Media Day.
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From the squad behind our Grizzlies team. Happy New Year, from the back plane crew to you!!!
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Walk into the @grindcitymedia office this morning, and first thing I see on my desk … must mean ☝🏿 thing:. It’s @memgrizz Media Day. And we’ve got you covered all day long.
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The South Carolina Connection Ja Morant and GG Jackson working on their 3-pt ball.
The Grizzlies have been waiting a long time to embrace a problem like this. More from @mymikecheck on the Grizzlies healthy dilemma ⤵️.
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One more order of business post-trade deadline. The @memgrizz are releasing Omri Casspi to get roster down to NBA limit of 15. Casspi has been sidelined with a knee injury and return this season wasn't guaranteed.
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Literally 3 hours ago, he was leaving FedExForum after Saturday's preseason practice. As team leader, he didn't want to take entire day off.
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In college a year ago, @JaMorant and @brandonclarke23 privately wondered what it might be like to play with each other on the same team. Then, @memgrizz made it a reality at June's @NBA Draft. My @grindcitymedia MikeCheck coming soon on how they've blossomed into Rising Stars.
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Durant on Harden replacing Kobe as West starter: "Finally, Scottie (Brooks) got something right, putting James in starting lineup.".
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112 to 112? Ok. But there’s only 1 game that matters, and that’s tonight. And there’s only 1 Twelve.
Steph has played in as many playoff games as the entire Grizzlies roster combined 😳. (via @EliasSports)
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Ja Morant insisted after the game that his ankle will be fine. Said he’s able to walk fine and he’s “all good.” Clearly didn’t want to make the ankle a topic of discussion. Focused instead on the effort his team made in winning preseason opener, and improvements ahead.
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Future looks bright for @memgrizz. So much so, Jaren Jackson Jr. had to come out and join the fun.
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I promised 21 years ago to show you the world. We made a good run at it, didn't we? But now you're with the only man who can show you the Heavens. So much happened so soon before we even had a fair chance to fight…
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Totally with Stephen A. on KD's easy way out. Those who believe this is same as LeBron leaving for Heat are completely missing the point.
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LeBron came to Durant's defense on Mr. Unreliable headline: "He's got to become a free agent one day.".
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Edey on how Iisalo’s tweaks have unlocked his play even more in recent games. Edey has seen significant increases in minutes, rebounds, assists, blocks and field goal percentage past 5 games.
"He’s relentless in getting (rebounds) and screening for our shooters. He’s got a very bright future ahead of him.”. Read more from @mymikecheck on how the rookie center is piling up the stats and scars:
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Pacers must have a play called "Rucker" They're letting Lance go playground for 20 secs of shot clock, then option B if it doesn't work.
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Mario Chalmers looking at Steph like, "Man, I got 2 championship rings, too. And I knocked you outta the NCAA Tournament that time.".
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LeBron after practice for Game1 of Finals: "I don't need any more motivation. If I had any more motivation, I'd burst.".
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David Fizdale follows Mike Conley's lead, buys 150 tickets for students from Grizzlies Prep and Stax Music Academy for Game 4 vs Spurs.
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One of first things out of Ja Morant's mouth at media room press conference was a respectful shoutout to Mike Conley, and how big those PG shoes will be to fill in Memphis on and off court.
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This time, @mconley11's body didn't fail him in his All-Star bid. It was his team's struggles. But he's been remarkable in comeback from heel surgery. He's played best ball in recent weeks, averaging 23.6pts/8asts on 53%FG overall, 41% on 3s in last 5. Nothing to hang head about.
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Kobe to LaMarcus: Come be my Pau Gasol. LaMarcus to Kobe: Nah. But I'll be your Dwight Howard . and bounce to Texas, bruh.
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Dwyane Wade with the Jordan shoulder shrug after banking in the 3pointer from top of the key under duress.
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Most energetic @memgrizz postgame locker room all season. Guys took legit joy in other guys' plays. All were ecstatic about Ja's dunk. But Ja praised Melton's block. Jaren mentioned Solomon's screens & dives. Jae pointed out Brandon's spark, etc. That's a building/bonding team.
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Was proud of my son long before this moment, but such a blessing to see him warm up to perform national anthem for Grizz-Blazers tonite.
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Nothing but great things to say about Danny Green. An absolute pro during recovery stint in Memphis. Was very appreciative of Grizz performance/training staff. Contributed to franchise's community engagement ventures, including MLK Weekend outreach. Want nothing but best for D.G.
If deal goes through and Kennard lands in Memphis, Grizzlies getting a vet shooter averaging 20 minutes this season and shooting nearly 45% on 3s. Nice upgrade for bench at very least, alongside Tyus in backcourt.
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That’s now 3 straight wins for @memgrizz after Saturday’s 125-119 victory over Hawks. Ja Morant posts first double-double of season with 30 pts and 11 assists. He talked after afterward about hitting stride with teammates and an offense that had just 2 turnovers in 2nd half:
Grizzlies are looking for their first 3-game winning streak of the season. @MyMikeCheck looks at what they need to do to win tonight in Atlanta.
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Encouraging sign as Santi goes through drills before tonight’s game. He’s out and considered “week-to-week” with ankle sprain. All goes well, he’ll be back soon!
Jay Huff always clownin 😂 . it’s a NYE party tonight in phoenix. here’s your courtside road report 🪩. @MyMikeCheck
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Morant maintains there's mutual respect with Steph Curry, and that the two communicated via direct message after their initial public social media responses on Iguodala issue.
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