Historic Night In Memphis
Grizzlies put on a show in their home opener in the new FedEx Forum
Wizards-79
Grizzlies-93
Posey with the thunderous dunk off a fastbreak
MEMPHIS, Tennessee Nov.3 (Ticker) -- Before the Grizzlies tipped off, they had a ceremony with NBA Commisioner David Stern standing in the center of the Grizzlies court along with James Posey and Shane Battier. They held a ribbon and a pair of scissors to officially open up the arena. Stern had many great things to say about the city of Memphis and about the new Grizzlies arena. He called the arena "one of the best in the country", which was a great compliment towards the city of Memphis. After Battier cut the ribbon, it was time for the Grizzlies to play some ball.
Memphis opened the game up with Antawn Jamison picking up 2 quick fouls on Gasol with only 43 seconds into the game. Wells then picked up 2 fouls after 1:05 into the game and had to be replaced by Mike Miller who ended up with 12 points off the bench for the Grizzlies. Pau dominated against Jared Jeffries with Jamison on the bench and Gasol ended up wtih 8 points and 5 rebounds in the 1st quarter.
Bonzi checked back in the game for the Grizzlies and ended up scoring their first 4 points of the quarter. The Wizards made a run and outscored the Grizzlies 23-15 with 7:45 remaining in the half. Mike Miller nailed a jumper after Juan Dixon cut the league to 5 points. Wright then came back with a 3 point play after Jamison trimmed the lead to 3 point with 1:51 remaining in the half. Jamison scored 12 of his of his 28 points in the 2nd quarter and the Wizards were able to close the Grizzlies lead to single digits at the end of the half.
In the 4th quarter, the Grizzlies led 84-66 with 4:12 reamining in the game and the crowd was cheering the Grizzlies on as they were getting closer to winning their first game in the FedEx Forum. Pau shot a desparation 3 with the shot clock running down and he made it, which sealed the game for the Grizzlies.
Photos from the Game:
Gasol scoring 2 of his 8 points in the 1st quarter
Wells came back in the 2nd quarter and scored 6 points
Miller scored 12 points off the bench against the Wizards
Box Score
November 3, 2004 Scores
Dallas @ New Orleans- 96 92
E. Dampier-17pts, 13rebs
B. Davis-23pts, 7asts, 3stls
New York @ Minnesota- 112 98
J. Crawford-25pts, 7asts
K. Garnett-27pts, 10rebs, 2blks
Atlanta @ Phoenix- 105 96 Hawks
A. Walker-40pts, 11rebs, 5asts
S. Marion-18pts, 16rebs, 3blks
Philadelphia @ Boston- 100 99
A. Iverson-35pts, 9asts, 9rebs
R. Davis-21pts, 8rebs
Sacramento @ San Antonio- 101 77
P. Stojakovic-28pts, 8rebs
T. Duncan-22pts, 9rebs
Seattle @ LA Clippers- 91 83
R. Allen-29pts, 8rebs, 5asts
E. Brand-29pts, 9rebs
Portland @ Golden State- 80 72
D. Anderson-26pts, 5rebs, 4asts
M. Dunleavy Jr.-14pts, 10rebs
Miami @ New Jersey- 93 106
D. Wade-25pts, 6asts
R. Mercer-23pts, 5rebs
LA Lakers @ Utah- 83 87
K. Bryant-21pts, 8rebs
A. Kirilenko-19pts, 13rebs
Houston @ Toronto- 86 108
T. McGrady-23pts, 6asts, 6rebs
V. Carter-31pts, 8rebs, 7asts
Milwaukee @ Orlando- 105 97
K. Van Horn-33pts, 12rebs
C. Mobley-24pts, 4asts
Indiana @ Cleveland- 92 105
J. O'neal-33pts, 7rebs
L. James-26pts, 7asts, 6rebs