Draft Live Blog Tonight

I will be joining a host of other quality bloggers over on Ridiculous Upside tonight to live blog the draft tonight. Drop by to see what kind of shenanigans we are up to, why don't you?

Live Blog: Grizzlies vs. Spurs 10/31/07

Welcome to the first Live Blog that actually counts!

It's Opening Night in Memphis, TN and I'm laid up with flu-like symptoms. Yes, the same flu-like symptoms that plagued Darko Milicic in the preseason and kept Brian Cardinal out the past few days. That's how close we are to the players -- we share the same illnesses.

Pete Pranica and Sean Tuohy spoke about Darius Washington making the Spurs squad and then turned it over to Rob Fischer who interviewed D-Wash prior to the game. Nice fluff piece for the Memphis crowd, although I find it very disconcerting to have to watch Fish after listening to him on the radio for the past few years. He's one of those guys who doesn't look like you would expect him to. He's certainly no Tony Luftman either -- I haven't heard him squeak in excitement yet. ;^)

Also, D-Wash is rocking a serious beard. As a fellow bearded one, I can say that it is quite impressive.

Fish interviews Coach Marc Iavaroni and then Rudy Gay, neither of which seems tense tonight, which is a good thing. Rudy seems very ready to get out there and perform at a high level.

Starting lineups
San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker, Michael Finley, Bruce Bowen, Tim Duncan, Fabricio Oberto
Memphis Grizzlies: Damon Stoudamire, Mike Miller, Rudy Gay, Darko Milicic, Pau Gasol

We've got the Trampoline Guy, Grizz Line and other assorted performers all over the court prior to the Grizzlies' introductions. Quite a spectacle, as they have the blacklights going and all the acts are glowing in the dark. Nice work!

Michael Buffer is in the house! Way to go all out guys! And he's doing the player introductions.

Anyone want to place a wager on whether or not Rudy Gay takes Bruce Bowen to flight school tonight?

Q1 - 11:00 -- Pau wins the tip-off and we are underway. Miller misses an 18 footer off a curl. Duncan cooly puts home a long jumper.

Q1 - 10:30 -- Darko hits a lefty hook from the left block. Duncan gets a sneaky basket to go in, but then Pau comes back and hits from the right baseline.

Q1 - 9:00 -- Tony Parker is crazy sneaky as he snakes in for a 1-on-2 layup. Rudy comes right back and hits a short turnaround over Bowen. Darko runs the floor to get an easy basket and then Parker comes right back again for another highlight style layup. Grizzlies 8, Spurs 8

Q1 - 7:33 -- Duncan somehow gets a leaner to go over Pau's outstretched fingertips, but then Pau gets fouled the next trip down the court and hits both free throws. Tied at 10.

Q1 - 6:40 -- Mike witht he steal and feeds it to Darko running the floor, who slams it home with the left hand!

Q1 - 5:56 -- Parker hits a long jumper from the left wing to tie it back up at 12 all. Pau gets called on a questionable offensive foul for a clear-out. Parker misses everything on another long jumper, prompting "Airball!" chants around the FedEx Forum. He looks for a foul call and gets none as we take our first timeout. Grizzlies 12, Spurs 12

Darko looks good. Perhaps the Dark One has decided to come out to play on Halloween.

Q1 - 5:12 -- Manu Ginobili into the game and he immediately heads to the rim in his slithering style. Misses the layup, but still got to the rim effortlessly. Damon rushes down the court and takes an ill-advised three pointer, which rattles out.

Q1 - 4:58 -- Darko inadvertently pokes Duncan in the eye, sending him to the bench. They call a foul on Rudy against Bowen on the next play, despite the fact that he was standing still with arms straight up in the air. Nothing like a makeup call so quickly after the non-call! Stro into the game now. Bowen misses both, because he can't hit free throws.

Q1 - 3:39 -- Bowen hits a runner from the left side, proving he can do more than hit corner threes. Miller comes back with a three from the left wing. Parker with another easy layup to give the Spurs the lead back. Spurs 16, Grizzlies 15

Q1 - 2:39 -- Wholesale changes as Navarro, Lowry and Jacobsen are now in the game. Duncan misses a bad pass, Navarro picks it up, feeds Casey for the fastbreak layup. Grizzlies take the lead 18-16 and the Spurs want a timeout.

Q1 - 1:50 -- Both teams hate free throws, as Ginobili misses a couple, then Stro hits one of two. Duncan hits another leaner that Navarro immediately answers with a three-pointer from the right wing. Grizz 22, Spurs 20

Q1 - 0:42 -- Pau fumbles the ball, recovers and hits a fallaway from the lane. Duncan gets fouled, hits one of two, but Manu gets the offensive rebound off the miss. Ginobili drives to the basket and Darko fouls him, giving him two fouls -- enter Hakim Warrick.

End Q1 -- Manu hits them both. Kyle Lowry is a force of nature. He drives the left side of the lane, dishes back out to Gasol, who slams it home! D-Wash tries to take the Spurs last shot, but is rejected by Pau! Grizz 26, Spurs 23

Q2 - 11:22 -- Finley hits a jumper from the right side over Hakim. Kyle continues his high energy play, blowing by D-Wash to get the foul call and head to the line for two free throws....and hits them both. Grizzlies 28, Spurs 25

Q2 - 10:20 -- Ginobili answers with a three-pointer from the top of the arc. La Bomba doesn't fall, leading to a miss by Ginobili, a scramble for the ball that winds up in Manu's hands again for another three-pointer.

Q2 - 9:32 -- Hakim grabs his own miss and puts it back in with one hand. Then Hak gets a ridiculous foul called on him when Finley acts like he's been thrown from a moving vehicle. Hakim couldn't throw one of the ball boys that far. Ginobili hits the three-pointer on the other end. Spurs 34, Grizzlies 30

Q2 - 8:10 -- Great set play as Gasol passes to Lowry at the top of the arc, who swings it to Navarro on the left wing.....alley-oop to Pau! Parker answers with a mid-range jumper. Hakim with a turnaround over three Spurs defenders that misses. Matt Bonner then hits a three from the left wing. Spurs 39, Grizzlies 32

Q2 - 7:22 -- Pau gets hacked on a trip through the lane and hits both free throws. We have our first Pau checking for blood sighting of the year! Finley misses a contested jumper, Rudy grabs the rebound and feeds Kyle who sprints down the floor for the easy transition layup. Next trip down, Brent Barry steps out of bounds and we get another TV timeout. Spurs 39, Grizz 38

Q2 - 5:50 -- Rudy abuses Bonner for a spinning hook shot to give Memphis the lead. These refs are horrific!!! Navarro is standing perfectly still next to Duncan, who elevates for the shot and gets a foul call. The Forum crowd is really giving it to them now! Pete and Sean agree that there was no foul to be called. Grizz 40, Spurs 39

Q2 - 5:36 -- Duncan misses them both -- the one chink in his armor still. Rudy vs. Bonner is a frightening mismatch as he blows by him and gets hacked to prevent the easy basket. Rudy hits them both, showing Duncan how it is done. Thank you Mark Price!

Q2 - 4:15 -- Rudy picks up another foul, giving him 3 on the night, which brings the return of Stro to the floor. Duncan uses the glass to score over a good defensive effort by Pau. Damon answers with a mid-range jumper from the left side of the floor. Ginobili misses a three-pointer and Miller gathers the rebound. Grizzlies 44, Spurs 41

Q2 - 3:20 -- Ginobili is fouled by Navarro, and JCN goes to the bench in favor of Lowry. Manu hits both free throws. Stro with the offensive board off Kyle's miss and then works into the lane for a basket over Duncan. Spurs take another timeout. Grizzlies 46, Spurs 43

Q2 - 2:15 -- Grizz are on a 14-4 run right now and are +7 in the rebounding department. Parker misses a three-pointer with the shot clock winding down. Miller coasts down the lane for a layup. Parker hits a three from the right corner to answer. Grizzlies 48, Spurs 46

End Q2 -- The Spurs hit two threes in a row and then Miller answers with one of his own. Lowry takes the hard foul driving from the left side and challenging the Spurs' big men. Kyle hits them both to tie the game again at 52 all. Spurs hold for the last shot -- Finley takes a bad shot, one step inside the three-point line, leading to a strange play where Ginobili flips the ball over the top of the backboard, turning the ball over to Memphis, who miss the final shot. Grizzlies 52, Spurs 52

I'm taking a break to eat some dinner, but if you have any questions, leave them in the comments.

Q3 - 10:36 -- Finley opens up with a fadeaway over Miller. Pau misses a fallaway over two defenders. Francisco Elson (the answer to "Who is that masked man?") hits a mid-range jumper. Rudy misses a long three. Memphis allows Bowen to set his feet and he knocks down a 17 footer, prompting a 20-second timeout from Iavaroni. Spurs 58, Grizzlies 52

Q3 - 9:21 -- Out of the timeout Damon hits a three-pointer. Then after a defensive stop, Rudy gets down the floor and hits a mid-range jumper to whittle the deficit down to one. Offensive foul on Duncan relieves the Spurs of another possession.

Q3 - 7:55 -- Rudy loses the ball and Duncan rattles one home on the ensuing possession. Pau answers back with a short leaner of his own. Duncan gets fouled by Gasol and manages to hit both free throws. Damon answers that with a three-pointer to tie it up at 62 all.

Q3 - 6:09 -- A rendition of "Can you top this?" breaks out as Parker and Damon both hit long two-pointers. Bowen breaks that up with a three pointer from the right corner. Darko comes back with a hook shot from the lane. Spurs 67, Grizzlies 66

Q3 - 4:13 -- Parker misses a long jumper. Mike misses a three, Pau grabs the offensive board, passes to Damon who misses another three. Duncan misses a shot on the right block as Darko came over for the intimidation factor. Rudy misses from the left elbow. Nobody can hit right now. Elson finally breaks the monotony with a slam off a nice feed by Ginobili. Gasol answers with the bucket and the foul. Spurs 69, Grizzlies 68

Q3 - 3:14-- Pau hits the free throw to tie it up and give him 17 points for the game. Oberto squeaks by Darko for the lay-in. Damon hits the three-pointer from the left wing. Then Damon steals the ball right out of Parker's hands, feeds Rudy who lays it in and gets fouled. Grizz 74, Spurs 71

Q3 - 2:52 -- Bowen tries to pass it in to Duncan, but the Grizzlies grab it, run down the floor and Miller hits the three from the right-hand side. Grizz 77, Spurs 71

Q3 - 1:33 -- D-Wash misses the three from the right side. Rudy turns it over after getting stuck in No Man's Land and D-Wash takes it coast-to-coast for the layup. Right now, it appears that they are trying to get Darko actively involved in the offense again. Rudy misses an open three and the Grizzlies slap the ball out of bounds. Kyle back in the game now.

Q3 - 0:22 Offensive foul on D-Wash after he pushes Kyle to the floor. Rudy tries another shot from the left side and makes this one. Bonner answers with a three. Grizz 79, Spurs 76

End Q3 -- Gasol says that "if the goofy-looking redhead can do it, so can I" and cans a three from the top of the key. Bonner misses his shot at retaliation as the buzzer sounds. Grizzlies 82, Spurs 79

Q4 - 12:00 -- Enter the final quarter with Gasol, Gay, Miller, Lowry and Swift on the floor.

Q4 - 9:55 -- D-Wash hits a floater to cut the lead to one. Lowry gets to the rim, but cannot finish. D-Wash misses from the left elbow, but Rudy and Stro knock the rebound out of bounds, allowing Brent Barry to hit a three-pointer on the extra possession. Spurs 84, Grizzlies 82

Q4 - 9:18 -- Rudy with a great save to get the ball back to Pau after a tipped rebound nearly went out of bounds. Kyle sprints down the floor and coasts in for another layup. He's quicker than a hiccup.

Q4 -8:03 -- The Spurs start to take over, making three baskets without an answer from Memphis, prompting a timeout from Iavaroni. Spurs 90, Grizzlies 84

Q4 -6:33 -- Navarro comes in and immediately hits a three-pointer. Parker misses a long shot and Lowry gathers the rebound. Navarro travels on the next possession running a pick and roll with Darko. Barry misses a three badly, Navarro brings the ball down and gets hammered on the shot -- no call. These refs will be getting a call from Ronnie Nunn tonight -- I guarantee it. Spurs 90, Grizz 87

Q4 - 5:05 -- Finley hits a three and Navarro answers. Darko with the block on Duncan! Lowry pushes the ball, feeds Warrick who gets clobbered from behind. Spurs 93, Grizz 90

Q4 -4:44 -- Come out of the TV timeout to see Kyle Lowry with ice on his hip after he took a leaping dive to save a ball a few plays earlier. Warrick at the free-throw line for two shots -- hits one of them to cut the lead to two points. Finley misses a three, but Duncan grabs the offensive board. Then Duncan gets the offensive foul! Spurs 93, Grizz 91

Q4 - 3:07 -- Back-and-forth we go, with both teams missing close shots. Miller misses a long jumper, then Duncan responds in kind.....but the Grizzlies fight over the rebound and lose it out of bounds. Duncan misses badly on the shot and Bonner knocks it out of bounds, but the officials give it to the Spurs. Where's Nunn's e-mail address again?

Q4 -2:40 -- Ginobili misses a wide-open shot and Darko boxes out Duncan for the rebound. Rudy gets the ball on the left wing, drives in and hits the jumper from 8 feet to tie it up at 93 all.

Q4 - 1:52 -- Finley misses another mid-range jumper with Rudy applying defensive pressure. Rudy gets the ball to Gasol who sets up Duncan and drives right around Timmy for the reverse layup. Duncan works into the lane to score over Darko and tie it back up. 95 all

Q4 - 0:27.7 -- Bonner misses a three, ball out of bounds to the Grizzlies. Gasol drives the lane and gets blocked by Duncan -- ball OB. Gasol gets the ball on the in-bounds and misses the shot across the lane with three defenders hanging on him. Ginobili hits the runner on the left side to give the Spurs the lead. Spurs 97, Griz 95

Q4 - 0:19.7 -- Crunch-time lineup: Gasol, Rudy, Mike, Darko, Damon. Ball goes in to Rudy who gets an offensive foul called on him when he lowers his shoulder and Ginobili flies into the next area code. Flopper. Spurs get the ball inbounds to Manu and force him to give it up to Duncan who is fouled. Ginobili gets fouled and goes to the line and only hits one of two. Spurs 98, Grizz 95

Q4 - 0:13.5 -- Iavaroni is setting up the play to either get a quick two or a set play to make the game-tying three. Casey in the game now for Darko. Miller goes down the lane for the deuce, but gets tripped by Ginobili and goes to the line. Mike misses the first one, makes the second. Spurs 98, Grizz 96

Q4 - 0:8.1 -- They foul Ginobili who hits them both this time. Damon down the floor for the quick layup. The Spurs are forced to take a timeout when they cannot inbound the ball.

Q4 - 0:3.1 -- Ginobili to the line again. He hits them both again. Damon comes down the floor and hits a huge three-pointer! They foul Manu yet again. Spurs 102, Grizz 101

End Q4 -- Ginobili hits them both. Long outlet to Rudy Gay who heaves it up from 40 feet and misses off the backboard. Final score: Spurs 104, Grizzlies 101

What a game. That's all I can really say at this point.

Live Blog: Grizzlies @ Pacers

Zack is out of town tonight, so I'll be taking over the live-blogging duties. Try not to be too hard on me.

Grizz Starting Lineup: Kyle Lowry, Mike Miller, Rudy Gay, Pau Gasol, Hakim Warrick
Pacers: Travis Diener, Mike Dunleavy, Danny Granger, Troy Murphy, Jermaine O'Neal

Interesting lineup for the Grizzlies, since Kyle and Hakim haven't started to this point.

Q1 - 6:48 -- The Grizzlies are attempting to run whenever they get the opportunity, but haven't really gotten the offense to click yet. Pacers 11, Grizzlies 4.

Q1 - 6:21 -- Darko with a great move to get around J.O., but can't convert. Goes to the line for two and misses them both. He has to work on his free-throw shooting.

Q1 - 5:35 -- Darko with the big block on J.O. and then runs the floor, gets the nice feed from Miller for the dunk! Pacers 15, Grizzlies 10.

Q1 - 5:31 -- Conley checks into the game. Hakim Warrick with the explosive dunk over Jermaine! Pacers 15, Grizzlies 14.

Q1 - 2:54 -- Miller really seems to be seeking out rebounds this season, as he pulls down another one. We go to the TV timeout tied at 19 all.

Q1 - 2:44 -- Conley gets around his defender effortlessly and gets a bogus charging call that the commentator correctly identifies as a "rookie call". Chip will be fuming at the mention of that!

Q1 - 1:58 -- Grizzlies still need to work on their transition defense. Too many opportunities for the Pacers when they get our and run, even after made baskets. Cardinal and Navarro are in the game now.

Q1 - 0:32 -- Navarro ends an 11-0 Pacers run with a three-pointer from the left wing to make the score 30-22 in favor of the Pacers.

Q1 - 0:00 -- Conley abuses Tinsley, but cannot convert just before the end of the quarter. That part of his game will develop with more experience in the League. End of the 1st quarter: Pacers 31, Grizzlies 22.

Q2 - 11:22 -- Quinn Buckner just described Cardinal as a "non-athlete who still manages to play basketball". Yep...that's a pretty accurate description.

Q2 - 10:50 -- Just reported that Pau's ankle sprain was going to keep him out of the remainder of the game. Obviously, we'll continue to give updates on this as the game goes on.

Q2 - 9:26 -- Marquis Daniels is showing flashes of the player that he was with the Mavericks. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, that was when he was good. Pacers 42, Grizzlies 28.

Q2 - 8:10 -- Buckner has his projected Southwest Division standings as follows: Spurs, Rockets, Mavs, Grizzlies, Hornets. Very interesting. Wonder what he knows that I don't?

Q2 - 7:37 -- Kyle with the quick hands to pick Diener's pocket and then get fouled on the other end. If he can maintain his defensive tenacity while developing his offensive game, he could be a terror for opposing teams. Pacers 44, Grizzlies 29.

Q2 - 6:47 -- O'Neal at the free-throw line and I glance at the boxscore for the game. Granger and Dunleavy are in double figures for scoring, with Daniels right behind them with 9 pts. The Grizzlies leading scorer is Rudy Gay with 6.

Q2 - 5:45 -- More poor transistion defense, as Kareem Rush feeds Shawne Williams behind the defense for an alley-oop. Pacers 47, Grizzlies 33.

Q2 - 5:02 -- Rudy settles for the step-back jumper while guarded by Murphy. Fortunately, he hits the shot, gets fouled and converts the free-throw. He should be blowing by Troy on that play 9 times out of 10 though.

Q2 - 3:25 -- The first notable Andre Brown sighting of the night, as he hits a jumper from the left elbow and then gets an unnecessary foul while jostling with J.O. on the other side of the court. Good thing he'll be riding the pine most of the season, I suppose. Pacers 55, Grizzlies 39.

Q2 - 3:00 -- Guess what? More non-existent transistion defense as Marquis Daniels gets the flush again. Perhaps we need to hire an MLG&W worker to stand at half-court leaning on a shovel with a bored look on his face, half-heartedly paying attention to passing traffic while flipping the STOP/SLOW sign every few minutes. Think that would help?

Q2 - 1:41 -- Conley finally gets on the board, hitting one of two free throws. Couldn't tell you why he was on the line, since it is storming here and the satellite blinked out for a few mintues. Pacers 61, Grizzlies 42.

Halftime -- Pacers 63, Grizzlies 42.
Here's what I think is going on -- Iavaroni is keeping everyone under wraps to keep everything hush-hush. Then, when the regular season starts....BOOM! Unleash the Secret Weapon! No? Well, I tried. Maybe they are just looking to see how big of a deficit they can overcome in preseason after what happened against Minnesota on Monday night. At least that's what I'm going to tell myself at this point.

Right now, the Grizzlies are failing miserably at defense (especially in transition), rebounding (-5 differential) and ball control (-6 steals/blocks differential). They'll have to address these issues in the locker room if they want to have any shot of coming back in this game.

Q3 - 12:00 -- Grizzlies start the 2nd half with Lowry, Miller, Gay, Warrick and Darko on the floor.

Q3 - 10:46 -- Hakim tries to make something happen by going hard to the basket and gets rewarded with free throws. He converts one of two while I listen to the Pacers' announcers continue to be unabashed homers. These guys could give the Blazers' broadcast team a run for their money!

Q3 - 10:23 -- More free throws by Hakim and he manages to can them both. Then he makes a nice defensive play by forcing a shot alteration. Pacers 65, Grizzlies 45.

Q3 - 9:44 -- Jamaal Tinsley hits a three-pointer to answer Rudy's long bomb on the other end. Then Jermaine O'Neal takes his third charge of the night on Hakim. Jermaine the Flopper? I think so, since he outweighs Hakim by about 75 pounds! Pacers 70, Grizzlies 48.

Q3 - 6:46 -- I had a conversation with someone earlier today and they said that if Mike Dunleavy beats us, then so be it. Well he just hit another 3, giving him 16 points on the night, leading all scorers. *SIGH* Good thing this is just the preseason or my night would be ruined. Pacers 80, Grizzlies 56.

Q3 - 5:23 -- Rudy is being more agressive, driving more and getting to the free throw line. That's a very good sign IMO. Kyle is putting pressure on the Pacers' defense at every opportunity -- I know this because even the incredibly biased announcing team had to mention it. Just as I type that, Lowry blows by Owens and gets fouled. He'll shoot two....and hit them both. Pacers 82, Grizzlies 62.

Q3 - 3:27 -- Rudy hits another jumper, giving him 19 points on the night. The Pacers seem content to allow him to shoot from 15-18 feet and fortunately he's hitting them tonight. Cardinal checks in and gets talked up by the broadcast team again. Boy, they must love former Boilermakers! He's the only guy they want to praise tonight on the opposition. Pacers 87, Grizzlies 68

Q3 - 2:57 -- I cannot decide who is more frustrating on the Pacers: Jeff Foster or Ike Diogu. I think it has to be Foster because you know what he's going to do -- rebound and be annoying -- but you're absolutely powerless to stop him. Diogu's ability to do a little bit of everything while appearing so unassuming due to his physical build is very frustrating as well though. I remember him destroying the Tigers in the NCAA tournament his freshman year too, so perhaps I have some residual feelings based on that, too. Grizzlies 89, Pacers 72.

Q3 - 2:14 -- Travis Diener might be the most underappreciated player in the league. He's not great at anything, but he's above average at enough to develop into a solid PG. His decision making ability is the only thing that stands out as being more than just "solid".

Q3 - 0:57 -- Finally! Rudy drives past Marquis Daniels and crashes into Foster, drawing the foul call. He hits both free throws, making it 9-9 from the line tonight. Pacers 93, Grizzlies 81.

Q3 - 0:00 -- The Grizzlies have clawed back as they are now down by only 12 after trailing by as much as 28. Rudy has led the charge with an assortment of great plays on both sides of the ball. They'll have to work hard to come away with a victory in this one, though some important Pacers are in foul trouble. That was a 39 point quarter for Memphis.

Q4 - 11:22 -- Kinsey starts off the 4th quarter with a nice pull-up jumper off a feed from Conley. After his shoulder injury this summer and the article in the CA today, I hope that he knows how hard he'll have to work to get a place at the table this season. Pacers 95, Grizzlies 85.

Q4 - 9:52 -- Just saw Darko standing next to J.O. Even with his perpetual slump, The Dark One still towered over him by two inches. Maybe we can tell him that J.O. killed his dog or something and then watch what happens. Then again....maybe not. No need to see the NBA's first Flagrant Foul Level 4 -- Homicide. J.O. has quietly amassed 20 and 10 tonight.

Q4 - 8:57 -- Conley with a huge three from the left wing to cut the deficit to 6 points. 97-91 Pacers as Indiana needs a timeout. Too soon to call them the Comeback Kids?

Q4 - 8:21 -- Good hard foul by Cardinal on Daniels. Marquis has gotten far too many easy buckets tonight. About time he was forced to earn one.

Q4 - 7:14 -- Kinsey hits a three and then Conley gets the steal and the bucket. Pacers 103, Grizzlies 96.

Q4 - 6:28 -- They just flashed a graphic that is very telling: Free Throws, Grizzlies - 35/44; Pacers 33/38. Gotta work on those free throws. Mark Price is gonna earn that paycheck this season!

Q4 - 5:05 -- Pacers 110, Grizzlies 101. The refs have made another horrific call as the Pacers' player had ahold of Kinsey's jersey and when TK moved to get the rebound, that jerked him to the side, somehow earning him a foul call. Unbelievable!

Q4 - 4:08 -- Why do I know that Ike Diogu has range out to 18 feet and the Pacers' broadcast team doesn't? He was a perimeter threat in college, frequently hitting three-pointers. The Pacers have most of their "A squad" back in and have pushed the advantage back to 11, taking a 114 to 103 lead.

Q4 - 3:03 -- Tinsley just made the highlight reel by dribbling the ball between Navarro's legs, but missed the layup after pressure from Darko.

Q4 - 2:18 -- The Grizz remembered that Darko plays for them as he finally gets the ball in the post, scoring on a nice shot from the right block.

Q4 - 1:32 -- Shot clock violation on the Pacers and the Grizzlies are hoping for a miracle now, down 116 to 106 with a minute and a half to go in the game.

Q4 - 1:21 -- I know he has a lot of loyal fans, but Hakim is a black hole. He just does not pass the ball at all. He hits two free throws to close the gap to 8 points.

Q4 - 0:57 -- Navarro with another three-pointer, his third of the night. JCN is, without a doubt, the best bargain in the NBA this year. Hopefully, the front office already has a good idea of how they are going to clear enough cap space to re-sign him next year.

Q4 - 0:46 -- Just announced that the upcoming free throws would be the 89th and 90th of the game. That should tell you just how controlling the refs have been in this contest. Pacers 120, Grizzlies 113.

Q4 - 0:10 -- Casey Jacobsen just missed two free throws. That would have cut the lead to 3 points. That's very disappointing, but it is hard to come off the bench after sitting for so long and immediately hit shots. Too bad, as that would have put tremendous pressure on the Pacers' inbounding of the ball.

Game Over -- Indiana Pacers 122, Memphis Grizzlies 115

The Grizzlies made a valiant comeback effort, but fell just short. They showed a ton of heart tonight after a horrible start, so that is encouraging as we move forward.

Thanks to all of you who stuck it out with me tonight. I saw you out there, even though you didn't leave any comments. Until next time, I'm out!

BOX SCORE:

Live Blog - 10/11 Preseason Game

Game Day!!

As long as I can get the internet streaming to work again, I will host another live blog. I thought the live blog from the first preseason game was well received.

For all of you 8-5 workers out there that can't watch the game live or fans without NBATV, open up Shades of Blue and follow my live blog. I'll do my best to keep you informed of what is happening in the game.

Today the Grizzlies play MMT Estudiantes, who I think beat Unicaja recently. There is still around 3 hours before tipoff. In the mean time, go read Chip's excellent game preview. If you still are looking to kill time before the game, go read Spartacus's NBA positional rankings (PF, SF, SG, PG). And then leave your rankings in the comments. You can also participate in discussion during the game over at the Grizzlies Messageboard game thread.

Hope to see everyone back here at 11:30 am.

10:08 am Update: UGH!!!! Some idiot construction worker cut the phone and internet at work. I walked over to the library on campus where I am now using the wireless connection to get to the internet. In addition, I'm not sure the site I streamed the game on last time will work for today's game. But I have my fingers crossed that it will. If I can't stream the game, obviously there will not be a Live Blog. Come back here at 11:30 and we will see what happens.

11:15 am Update: Sorry everybody, doesn't look like I will get to stream the game over the net. I have 15 minutes to try to track the game stream down...

11:27 Update: We have a Winner!!! Big thanks to bgassassin...Go here to stream...on the left side click on sports, then NBATV...http://freetube.110mb.com/

11:32 Update: Scratch that.....still no streaming available...ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11:36 Update: OK, Monkey Boy came through in the clutch...Go here...Use IE....http://www.channelsurfing.net/watch-fox-2.html

Game getting ready to start...here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Remember to keep refreshing this page (F5) to get my new updates...

11:41: Here is the tip...same starting lineup as before....Damon, Mike, Rudy, Stro, and Pau. Pau just talked to the crowd. I have no idea what he said.

11:47: Griz win the tip...Rudy with a 3...miss. Estudiantes brings it down and then some type of offensive foul on Estudiantes. Quick drive by Damon. NICE!!! that is what I want to see from Damon. Memphis 2, Estudiantes 2 after a long 2 by Estudiantes. Damon again penetrates early in the shot clock. NICE!!!! I love it. Miller with a rebound but the outlet pass goes out of bounds. Rudy just got scored on in the post. Damon pushing the ball more than last game. Stro then hammers one and shows the stro sign!!! Miller drains a 3 in transition!!!!!!!! David Stern is in the crowd. Another fast break and Miller gets an easy layup. This game has started really good.

11:55: So far this game has been super easy with the Griz attacking the basket. Miller at the line for the And-1 attempt. After last games 57% from the stripe, I cringe when we are at the line. But Miller sinks it. Memphis 12, Estudiantes 4. Rudy with a great drive and sinks the mid range floater. Damon got picked and his man drives but Stro helped and stiffed the drive. Another Estudiantes miss. Damon with a great pass to Stro. Damon looks 100% better this game than last game. After a Estudiantes basket, Damon pushes the ball (yes!) and then finds Pau on the block for bucket and harm. Griz up 12. Miller takes the charge.

12:00: Miller then drains a 3!!! I must say that so far this game lacks the excitement of the last. Maybe it is b/c this team is worse. Or maybe b/c there isn't very many fans in the crowd. Kyle Lowry checks in!!!! And he quickly finds Darko (who came in for Pau) off a pick and roll. Announcers are now showing their love to our offseason. Gay with another errant outside shot. Lowry pushes off a miss, pulls it back then gives it to Rudy, but he misses a layup. Estudiantes can't hit anything from the outside. Man, the refs have quick whistles today.

12:02: BC comes in!!!! And then clanks a 3. But another quick whistle on something. Navarro comes in. On the court: Lowry, JC, Rudy, BC, and Darko. Rudy bricks another 3. Estudiantes was in a zone. Lowry with a bad pass leads to a fastbreak attempt, but then Lowry goes and blocks the layup with a great make up play after the turnover. What a play...

12:04: Griz allow an offensive rebound (allowed 15 last game) for a layup, but then JC takes it to the hole for a great transition layup. Rudy is then called for a travel on another transition attempt.

12:08: Estudiantes can't buy a bucket from the outside leading to many Griz fast break opportunities. Lowry and BC running the pick and roll up top leading to a reaching foul. Griz already in the bonus. Lowry sinks both. Pressure defense by the Griz. Shot clock in single digits before they can think of shooting. On the other end, Darko sinks a 12 footer.

12:11: TK7 enters the game. Then misses an awkward tansition layup after another long brick by Estudiantes. On the court, Lowry, JC, TK7, BC, and Darko. Griz hold for last shot in the 1st quarter. Darko then gets an offensive foul and then taunts the crowd!!!!!! Hide your mothers and sisters, Darko is on the loose!!!!!!! Griz dominating the 1st quarter, 32-11. Looks like this is the game to get the end of the bench lots of burn.

12:20: Phantom foul on Lowry to start the 2nd quarter. Estudiantes with an offensive rebound but we force a steal. On the court: Lowry, JC, TK7, BC, and Pau. Block called on Kinsey. BC then takes a charge. NICE!!! Pau with a nice flick for a bucket in the lane. Estudiantes finally makes an outside shot. Kinsey helps out on Pau's man and his man makes a layup. Nice back dorr cut by TK7 for a bucket. I think Damon is back in. Damon then pushes after a miss and we get another easy bucket. Estudiantes is far worse than the last Spanish team. Estudiantes bigs are far worse.

12:27: Announcers are now talking about Dwight Howard for some reason. On the court: Damon, JC, TK7, Andre Brown, and Pau. Looks like David Stern is sleeping. NBA: feel the excitement!!!! Lots of whistles this game. Estudiantes makes a long shot. Griz with a turnover. Then another whistle and it is again Griz ball. Iavaroni looks alot calmer this game. Griz up 40 to 20. JC misses 3, then TK7 gets an offensive rebound and Damon misses a 3.

12:33: Conley hasn't played yet. I expect he'll play in the 2nd half. I'd like to see Pau, Mike and Rudy sit the 2nd half of this game to reduce the risk of injury. On the court: Damon, Mike, Rudy, Andre Brown, and Darko. Miller misses 3, but Damon gets the long rebound and sinks the 3. Scratch that, long 2. Darko on the left block and guess what? He goes to his patented lefty baby hook for a score. The intensity of this game is not even close to the first game. We were all spoiled during that game. Lowry back in. Darko with the turnover. Estudiantes strokes a 3. Darko over the back off a Miller missed 3.

12:39: 1st half is coming to a close. Wait, the commercial that says that "nobody has mastered the shot like JJ Reddick" is playing again. Everytime I hear that I chuckle. Memphis up 46 to 29. Griz have played really good. Damon and Lowry are running the point great. Conley hasn't played yet. Estudiantes doesn't have the size or offensive skill to hang with us. Officials are quick on the whistles. Estudiantes is now putting on some full court pressure. Miller is now ice cold from deep. Darko gets fouled going for the loose ball after the miss. The lefty sinks one of the FT's, but Rudy got the rebound. On the court: Lowry, Mike, Rudy, Stro, and Darko.

12:44: Rudy bricks a 3 after great ball movement. Anther ticky-tack calls gives the ball back to Memphis. Lowry finds Darko in the lane for a thunder dunk!!!!! Rudy then shoots another jumper (from the top of the key) and again he bricks it. Miller bricks a 3. Estudiantes has scored more 2nd quarter points than the Griz. Halftime. Memphis 52, Estudiantes 33. I hope the refs swallow their whistles in the 2nd half.

12:59: 2nd half is getting ready to start. I couldn't find the box score on nba.com to give some 1st half stats. We had an awesome 1st quarter but got outscored in the 2nd quarter. Estudiantes couldn't buy a bucket for a while. We forced lots of turnovers and had a lot of fast break opportunities. Damon looks WAY better than the first preseason game. He is pushing the ball and being a threat to score early in the shot clock. Miller and Rudy are cold from the outside. Conley hasn't played yet. TK7, BC, and Andre Brown all got burn in the 1st half. My favorite play of the half started with a Lowry errant pass, but then he recovered and blocked the fast break layup. Miller with 11 points (on a ton of shots). Darko with 10. Stro (yes stro!!!) with 9. 32-18 rebounding advantage. Nice. Estudiantes is shooting 27%. I don't think all of that is due to our defensive pressure.

1:02: 2nd half starters: Conley, Rudy, Mike, Pau and Hak. Hak and Conley with their first appearance of the game.

1:07: Pau with a great look to Hak. I love the prospect of Pau and Hak (or darko/stro) using the high low game due to Pau's court vision. After a Rudy board, a quick outlet pass to Conley leads to a layup. You can tell Iavaroni is stressing the quick (and long) outlet passes. The refs are still calling it tight. Looks like TK7 checks in for Miller. Estudiantes with a long offensive rebound. Pau then with the deflection, but Estudiantes returns the favor on the other end. Rudy fouls going for the steal (did I mention he had 5 steals in the first preseason game). Conley pushes, but nothing. Pau then misses a runner in the lane. Estudiantes is still cold from the outside. Rudy got away with a push off and makes the 15 footer.

1:09: WTF? The shot clock buzzer was super annoying. Rudy makes a 3 after a kick out by Conley. Finally. Estudiantes bricks another 3. Both teams shooting horrible from beyond the arc as both are 3-16.

1:15: Memphis 61, Estudiantes 35. Rudy almost with a nice steal. TK7 then with great defense and forces the turnover. Pau makes a 15 footer. Pau then makes another 15 footer and gets the And-1 this time. I think it is safe to take out the Meal Ticket now. JC checks in to a loud ovation.

1:19: On the court: Conley, JC, Casey, BC, and Pau. Pau with an offensive rebound and Casey makes a 3. 69-42 Memphis after Estudiantes makes a 3. Announcers are again talking about the Celtics and how Danny Ainge is the best executive in the NBA....hahahahahaha...whatever. Now they are talking about Damon being traded to Boston. Lowry checks in for Conley. Pau also comes out (and don't come back in!). BC with a nifty scoop shot. 71-42.

1:21: JC and Lowry are showing some great chemistry in the backcourt together. 73-45 memphis. BC makes a great pass to Darko, but the big guy can't finish. Estudiantes makes a 3. Now a 25 point game.

1:27: Casey makes an outside shot. Lowry gets to line after one of his patented drives. BC with a big block from behind. BC is playing good today (tonight?). Memphis up 80 to 52. Holding for the last shot of the quarter and Lowry is called for an offensive foul. Again, Griz fans be ready to see Lowry get a lot of charges called on him this season.

1:35: I'm slowing down and might have to call it quits before the game is over. The 4th quarter just started. On the court: Lowry, JC, Casey, Brown and Darko. Lowry not playing nearly as well this game. Though I think Lowry has played the most minutes at the point. Iavaroni looks subdued on the bench. Looking to get the ball to Darko in the post. Results first in a foul on Estudiantes then a jump ball. The arena is playing "Jump" during the jumpball, how witty!!! I was 4 when that song was released.

1:37: Memphis 80, Estudiantes 54. Darko almost got dunked on. I think Conley should finish out the game. We are just informed that it is not Mike Conley Jr. He wants to be called Micheal Conley. Estudiantes in a zone, Casey then drains a 3.

1:41: Looking at the stats, the Grizzlies are shooting 88% from the stripe, a nice improvement from the 57% last game. We are killing them on the boards, but mostly b/c Estudiantes was cold as North Dakota most of the game. The bad stat is we have more turnovers than them. Looks like Jefferson just checked in, playing SF (wasn't he a PG in college). JC drains a shot.

1:45: Micheal Conley checks in. JC misses his patented floater in the lane.

1:50: Conley with a 3 on 1 fast break layup off a JC steal. JC comes out to large cheer. Only 6 points this game for JC. Conley with a nice pick/roll pass to Brown for a dunk. Then Conley penetrates and scores.

Alright everyone, I'm done. Griz win big. Pretty easy game from start to finish. I don't even know who to give the game ball too. Damon and Lowry both played good at the point. Mike and Rudy were cold from the outside. Pau, Darko and Stro all played well downlow.

Open practice on Saturday. Minnesota on Monday at home in Memphis. Go Griz!!

Live Blog - 10/9 Preseason Game

If I am able to stream the game over the net while at work, I will try to have a live blog going during the game. Check back here after 1pm.

12:55: I think I have this thing streaming right...right now is some NBA story narrated by Ahmad Rashad about Loul Deng....I have my fingers crossed....

Go Griz!

1:02.: Here we go! Starting lineups after this commercial. Streaming over the net rules.

1:05: Looks like the starters are Damon, Mike, Rudy, Pau and Stromile. Stro is the surprise starter.

1:10: Looks like the teams are exchanging gifts. ????

1:11: Navarro is addressing the crowd. I have no idea what he is saying.

1:15: Here comes the tip. Griz get the ball. Gasol gets a pick on the baseline, then misses a hook in the lane. Unicaja scores. Gasol answers. Unicaja misses oop. Great drive by Mike. Rudy from DEEP...brick.

1:17: Nobody can make a shot from deep. Damon gets the to the lane and gets fouled. But still when he drove, the shot clock was at 8 and that was the first threat to score in that possession. We have to be a threat to score earlier in the shot clock. Unicaja scores and then Damon answers with a quick drive (good!).

1:20: Great long outlet by Swift. Swift with the heady play, write that down. Griz up 9 to 6. Mike with a nice kick out 3, assist by Pau. 12 to 6. Horrible decision by Rudy on the fast break. Ugh!

1:25: Are we in Memphis? I just saw an Iverson jersey. Shot of Kenny Smith in the crowd. Hak and Darko are in. Darko misses his patented lefty baby hook. Conley is in too. What a pass by Darko for the Rudy Gay dunk. Wow!!!! Followed by a great steal by Rudy, leading to a Hak dunk. Love the defense.

1:28: In comes Navarro to a standing ovation. Conley just showed how he is able to get the ball down the court and into the offense very fast. Ended up with a Hak fadeway. Followed by a Conley to Rudy alley-oop. Our hands are very active on defense, leading to some great fastbreak opportunities.

1:35: Does Darko have any other move than go to the block and use that turnaround lefty baby hook? Jacobsen in, I'm assuming for Rudy. I love how fast Conley gets the ball down the court. Haislip just took Hak to the rack.

1:37: Haislip with a nifty steal and open court dunk. Whoever in bounded the ball messed up. Conley holds for the last shot, leading to a Hak airball. Griz looked good for a while, but sloppy play let Unicaja close the gap.

1:43: Damon, Pau, and Rudy back in. Goaltending by either Rudy or Pau. Tie game at 21. Strong drive by Rudy. That is what we need more of. Clear out for Rudy and he shoots a freaking jumper. Drive, Rudy, drive!!! I think Rudy is playing the PF right now. Pau just got school on the block. Then someone gets school on the give and go. I think it is time to put Lowry in.

1:46: Damon, Navarro, Mike, Rudy, and Pau are on the court right now. Navarro is making great entry passes to Pau. Lots of zip and right on the mark. Another deflection leads to another Rudy dunk!!!!! 29-28 Memphis. Phantom foul called on Navarro. The announcers are calling him "JC". Is that what we should be calling him?

1:51: The Meal Ticket with great position in the post and scores. Then Santiago takes it right back at Pau. Brick by Damon. JC with the brick. Another made shot by Santiago in the lane. Him and Haislip must have most of their points. JC out. Who's in? Looks like Damon, Mike, Casey, Rudy and Pau are on the court. Where is Kinsey and Lowry? Rudy with a stupid foul on a deep 3.

1:57: What a day to spend an afternoon at work. The NBA is back...finally. Conley back in. conley, Mike, Casey, Stro and Darko on the court. Conley with one of those crazy underhand flips on a drive. Darko just steamrolled someone. He looked like a fullback. Griz losing. By 8. check that. By 11. Conley with a dumb turnover, but Mike makes a great play in transistion. What is wrong with our defense? Looks like we are allowing penetration, then after we help, they make the outside shot.

2:00: I like the Unicaja player with the full beard. Or is there more than 1 with a full beard? Either way, more white guys need to sport the full beard. It immediately adds a layer of toughness. Griz down by 10. Darko showing he can guard Santiago better than Pau.

2:05: On the court, Conley, JC, Mike, Darko, and Swift. They just ran the play that I outlined in the Blue/White Scrimmage Recap. It led to a Conley jumper. Next possession, Conley shows off his fast first step. Rudy in for Swift (that was fast) then Rudy pushes off. WOW!!!!!! What a block by Rudy Gay!!!!!! Then Swift comes right back in for Rudy. Swift must have needed a quick lesson. Maybe they wrote the instructions on the back of his hand.

2:12: Spoke too soon. Santiago schools Darko too. Griz down. Pau back in for Darko. JC with his patented runner in the lane. NICE! Then he turns around and gets drove on and commits a foul. Why are the announcers talking about the Suns and Spurs? Great alley-oop from Conley to Stro!!!!!!!!!!!!! At halftime, Griz down by 5, 47 to 42. I think a little Kyle Lowry and TK7 combination is needed to get the lead back in the good guys favor.

2:27: Mike and Pau segment at halftime. Good stuff. Pau and Rudy lead the team with 8 points a piece. Miller coming thru with 6 boards and Conley has 3 assists. We are shooting 46%, Unicaja with 42%, both teams are shooting under 20% from beyond the arc.

2:34: 2nd half starters are Damon, Mike, Rudy, Pau and Swift. Pau just got muscled down low. Rudy's jumpers just don't look smooth. Another drive by Unicaja. I'm ready to see TK7 and Lowry come into the game. Stro forcing his way to the line. Gotta love that. The annoucners just said that Stro hasn't yet found what makes him good yet. I think that comment speaks for itself. Another great give and go by Unicaja, leading to an And-1. Griz are shown scratching their heads on the sideline. Then we have a stupid turnover and allow another offensive rebound. Who's the NBA team again? 12 point lead for Unicaja. UGH!!!!!!!! Take a timeout coach. Haislip just takes Stro to the rack and the other post player follows up with a emphatic dunk. Not looking good for the Griz. How about Lowry and TK7, coach?

2:40: Looks like Lowry is in!!!!!!!!!!! And the Griz might be in a zone. Miller strokes a 3. Back to man. Miller fouls trying to guard Haislip in the post. Miller then misses from wayyyyy deep. Unicaja banks in a 3. 15 point lead for Unicaja. Rudy bricks a 3. Iavaroni is not happy. Memphis fans are not happy. Rudy with the steal and takes a fall when getting fouled.

2:44: Lowry with full court pressure. Then Lowry (with some help from Rudy) makes a great play on breaking up an oop. On the court, Lowry, Mike, Casey, Hak, and Pau. Good pressure D forces a turnover. Lowry pushes the ball, but gets blocked. Hak gets scored on. 14 point lead for Unicaja.

2:48: Mike with another board after good post defense by Pau. Hak bricks a FT shot. Hello, Mark Price. JC in for Mike. Lowry, JC, Casey, Hak and Pau on the court. Unicaja with some great interior passing. Then Lowry comes down and penetrates allowing Hak to get to the foul line again. Our interior defense has been pathetic this game. Navarro just got backdoored. Lowry again forces his way to the rim immediately and goes to the line. Lowry is our best PG right now. Sorry, did I just say that out loud?

2:51: Lowry with a great full court pass to Hak. Iavaroni talking to Darko on the bench, hopefully prepping him on some interior defense.

2:55: Kyle forces jump ball. His defense is great. Then wins the tip. Pau gets lucky and doesn't get called for a charge. On the court: Lowry, JC, Casey, Pau and Hak. Now the announcers are talking about the Celtics Screw Boston.

3:00: Kyle drives again, but gets the charge. That is going to happen alot this year. Kyle with great defense again and forces a moving pick. Kyle again drives to the rim, but misses the layup. JC with a huge 3. Assist Lowry. The announcers are realizing that the key to the game is Kyle Lowry. Everytime he plays, we always say the same thing. He just turn games around in our favor. On court: Kyle, JC, Casey, Pau and Darko. Darko with a nice give and go with Casey. Announcers are speculating that we will trade Damon. Someon looks hurt...it is JC. Memphis within 4. Darko brings us to within 2. Nice deflection by JC. I prefer to type JC instead of Navarro. Kyle is waiting for the last shot. JC nails a 3. Memphis is now up by 1. All hail Kyle Lowry and JC Navarro.

3:02: There is this stupid commerical that keeps saying that "Nobody shoots the ball better than JJ Redick." Really? Nobody?

3:06: That 3rd quarter just showed why Kyle Lowry will force his way to the court when the game really matters. Darko misses another shot. Unicaja nails a 3 to take the lead. Pau got clobbered on a attempted oop by Darko. JC nails another 3!!!!!!!!!!! Pau blocks a 3 and then gets the open court dunk. Miller comes in for Casey. Where is TK7? A phantom call on Dako. Man, this game is flying by. In comes Hak for Pau.

3:08: Turnover, Griz ball. JC with another 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Memphis up by 5. Lowry catches a weird shot by Darko and finds Hak for dunk. Darko is out of control. I think he just whacked a Unicaja player. Hide the mothers and sisters, Darko is loose!!!!!!!!

3:13: On the court: Kyle, JC, Mike, Stro, and Hak. Unicaja in a zone. Miller misses 3. Hak misses the putback. Great double team by Lowry forces a turnover that leads to a Miller fast break layup. JC just missed Lowry for an easy layup and then Stromile gets called for a worthless moving screen. Unicaja with another 3. Hak got stuffed. Unicaja then nails another 3 and Hak fouls him setting up the potential 4 point play. Take Hak out, please.

3:16: JC misses a runner. Tied at 82. JC with a 3 after a great find by Lowry. Pau is at the scorers table. Santiago with another strong effort in the post. Can we sign that guy? Pau in for Hak. The crowd is chanting. Something. JC with another 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think Conley came in for Lowry. Rudy just had a spectacular dunk in the open court after a great pass by JC.

3:22: Navarro with a runner. Saying he is on fire is an understatement. Griz up 9. Unicaja brings it down to 7. Pau fouls Haislip on the drive and isn't happy about it. I think he has a point after the replay. Iavaroni does not look pleased with the Memphis hustle. I think that has something to do with our hustle man being on teh bench. JC finally misses. Off Rudy, Unicaja balls.

3:25: Rudy forces a bad shot. Griz up 4. 2 minutes to play. JC blocked. Unicaja with another 3. Time to take Conley out and put Lowry back in I think. Timeout. Game on the line. Let's go Griz!

3:30: Lowry back in (yes!). Pau with a clutch basket. Assist from Miller. Lowry forces an airball, but it turns into an accidental alley-oop. Memphis up 1. 1 minute left. Lowry got fouled. He doesn't like the foul. The announcers just said that NBA refs are consistent. What? JC with the ball. to Pau. Pau misses the layup. Memphis up 1. Unicaja takes the lead. Memphsi calls timeout. Uh-oh!!!!

3:32: Lowry misses layup. Pau looks hurt. Unicaja with a fast break point and up 3. Ok, Pau is alright. Memphis down 3, doesn't look good.

3:35: Will we go for 2 or 3? Looks like Lowry is in bounding the ball. I say get it to JC. Lowry, JC, Mike, Rudy, and Pau on the court. Miller gets fouled. Looks like we went for 2.

3:37: Miller misses both. Way to go Mark Price! Looks like game is essentially over. Hats off to Unicaja. Unicaja misses the first free throw. We need them to miss this one. They make it. 4 point game. Timeout Memphis.

3:39: JC with an offensive foul. That seals the game. Thanks for coming over and reading the Live Blog.

3:41: Ok, Mike just nailed a 3, but Memphis is still down by 3. Wow!!! We got a turnover. Unicaja will foul. Miller looks shaken up on the hard foul. Miller actually makes the first free throw. Miller makes the 2nd accidentally. Memphis down 1. Lowry with the foul. Only 1 or 2 seconds left. Officially 2.4 seconds left. Memphis now down 2. We need some Dallas Cowboys like magic. Memphis down 3. Miller misses a long 3 for the tie. We lose...ugh!!!

Game ball goes to Juan Carlos Navarro (with Kyle Lowry runner-up)

Update: David Friedman has some analysis and commentary on the game on 20 Second Timeout.

Update II: Dime Mag has some analysis and commentary on the game, titled "Go Hard or Go Home".

Update III: Chris Herrington also posted his take.