The Memphis Grizzlies are a small market team. They get overlooked on a regular basis by the mega national and global media outlets. Though they have been one of the top-tier teams over the past five or so seasons, they still receive very few national television appearances on big stations such as ESPN and TNT.

Allow me to put the spotlight on the Grizzlies of Memphis, Tennessee.

The current Grizz squad plays a brand of basketball that NBA clubs of the ’80s and ’90s would be very proud. The Memphis Grizzlies love to get physical and they will claw for boards and loose rocks. They pride themselves on outworking and outhustling all other opponents. Their mantra is “Grit-‘N’-Grind” and they certainly do that each and every game. This forces opponents to fear the Grizz.

What makes the Memphis Grizzlies a complete package? Their fans. Grizz Nation.

I am an Indiana resident and I used to be an Indiana Pacers season ticket holder. This was during the lowly days of the Pacers’ franchise following the “Malice at the Palace” but prior to the Paul George era. I saw true fans coming to those games and/or families that wanted to have a fun and exciting night of entertainment together. There were no existing bandwagon fans at this point in time for the Pacers. They were missing out on the NBA Playoffs, too.

Then it all changed. The Pacers had some luck in the NBA Draft and they also snagged some solid free-agents. They developed their team and made back-to-back Conference Finals trips. Over the past decade, the Grizzlies and Pacers have went from a mission of rebuilding to forming championship-caliber rosters. The two organizations have been eerily similar to each other as they have attempted to piece together a winning formula. It has all began for defense for both clubs.

The fans came, whether matching the bandwagon criteria or not. Indy has even created two groups of rambunctious fanatics–Area 55, in regard to current Pacer Roy Hibbert, and the G-2 Zone, in support of George Hill and Paul George. As a result, along with their increased success level, the Pacers’ fans were filling their arena–Banker’s Life Fieldhouse–but their fans were still not as wild about their team, as a whole, as you will find within today’s Memphis Grizzlies.

I travel to Memphis once or twice per year mostly to take in a few Grizz games. I have seen nearly as many NBA games–both live and televised–since 2004 as humanly possible. The NBA truly is my hobby. I love the association. Let me tell you this: the most passionate fans in the entire NBA, in my opinion, belong to the Memphis Grizzlies. GRIZZ NATION. Ever since the days of Pau Gasol, Mike Miller, Shane Battier, Jason Williams, and Stromile Swift, I have been a Grizzlies’ fan.

Their playoff rally towels are referred to as “growl towels.” Their star First-Team defenseman, Tony Allen, is nicknamed “The Grindfather.” FedEx Forum, which houses the Grizzlies, has been coined as “The Grindhouse.” list goes on. There are so many things, such as terminology and nicknames, that make the franchise very likeable.

Grizz fans have experienced the ups, such as seeing their favorite team being an eight-seed and defeating the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2011 NBA Playoffs. They have also witnessed the downs when the Grizzlies below a 26 lead in the second half of a playoff game against the Los Angeles Clippers as well as seeing the league suspend Memphis’ MVP–Zach Randolph–for a Game 7 in last year’s postseason versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both times (Clippers and Thunder playoff games), the Memphis Grizzlies became defeated.

Regardless of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, the Memphis Grizzlies’ fan base is here to stay. The team represents the city and vice-versa. You cannot have the Grizzlies without Memphis. You cannot think of Memphis without mentioning the Grizzlies. It is a unique relationship–one not quite like any other in the NBA, not even a bond that Indiana and the Pacers can resemble.

I attended Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors. This was the first Grizz postseason contest I have witnessed in person. The entire game–whether it was when Memphis started slowly or at the moment in which M-Town went on a huge scoring run to put a scare into the Warriors or by the end of the game where it became clear the season was coming to an end–the fans were loud and proud of the product on the floor.

All fans will criticize players of their beloved team from time to time, and from what I have seen at Pacers’ games in the past, those fans will be hateful and personal about what they do not like about the team. If it is a particular player, they will verbally destroy that said player. I have readily noticed a difference from those fanatics compared to those supporters of the Memphis Grizzlies. What would that be?

Grizz fans, from my perspective, offer constructive criticism more than anything if they are looking for more from a particular player’s performance. During Game 6, it seemed as if the entire arena wanted Jeff Green to have a breakout game. Though he was being more aggressive than in previous games, the job was still not getting done. The Grizzlies were behind. However, the fans were loud and proud throughout–a harmonious bunch.

Growl towels flapping all around, chants breaking out, clapping and cheering being heard from all angles–Grizz Nation comes second to none in the “fandemonium” department. ALL fans chimed in during each chant. It was literally one big community coming together in support of the Memphis Grizzlies. It would give anyone shivers down their spine to hear such a sound ringing about the Grindhouse.

From what I have seen, although I cannot speak on behalf of all NBA fan bases, I do believe the Memphis Grizzlies own the most passionate fan base in the association and are planted in one of the friendliest NBA cities. Memphis and Grizz Nation alike, continue to do what you do. You are a critical component in making the Grizzlies great.

Go Grizz!

Nice article. Agree. Of course people love a winner. Every city in the nation is like that. I do feel these past 5 years have definitely built a strong foundation of a fan base. Oh sure, a couple of mediocre seasons would fray at the fringes, like every other city in the country, but it's much more solid and numerical than it's ever been. Now that Memphis has had the taste of a seasoned, mostly well run, competitive pro team, it's absolutely ingrained in the city's fabric. I was upstairs for one of the Portland playoff games. As I looked around the section, pretty much everyone up there was younger than me (let's just say 50ish). I probably saw more of their backs than the actual game. I didn't care. They were having the time of their lives. These folks are where the growth in the fan base is coming from. It makes me feel good for the franchise and also the area. New ideas and leadership. Things are definitely looking up here in Memphis.

I watched the playoffs and IMHO only GS fans rival the Griz fans in terms of numbers and noise produced. The Griz fans were awesome.

(05-27-2015 11:13 AM)k2tigers Wrote:  The Memphis Grizzlies are a small market team. They get overlooked on a regular basis by the mega national and global media outlets. Though they have been one of the top-tier teams over the past five or so seasons, they still receive very few national television appearances on big stations such as ESPN and TNT.

Allow me to put the spotlight on the Grizzlies of Memphis, Tennessee.

The current Grizz squad plays a brand of basketball that NBA clubs of the ’80s and ’90s would be very proud. The Memphis Grizzlies love to get physical and they will claw for boards and loose rocks. They pride themselves on outworking and outhustling all other opponents. Their mantra is “Grit-‘N’-Grind” and they certainly do that each and every game. This forces opponents to fear the Grizz.

What makes the Memphis Grizzlies a complete package? Their fans. Grizz Nation.

I am an Indiana resident and I used to be an Indiana Pacers season ticket holder. This was during the lowly days of the Pacers’ franchise following the “Malice at the Palace” but prior to the Paul George era. I saw true fans coming to those games and/or families that wanted to have a fun and exciting night of entertainment together. There were no existing bandwagon fans at this point in time for the Pacers. They were missing out on the NBA Playoffs, too.

Then it all changed. The Pacers had some luck in the NBA Draft and they also snagged some solid free-agents. They developed their team and made back-to-back Conference Finals trips. Over the past decade, the Grizzlies and Pacers have went from a mission of rebuilding to forming championship-caliber rosters. The two organizations have been eerily similar to each other as they have attempted to piece together a winning formula. It has all began for defense for both clubs.

The fans came, whether matching the bandwagon criteria or not. Indy has even created two groups of rambunctious fanatics–Area 55, in regard to current Pacer Roy Hibbert, and the G-2 Zone, in support of George Hill and Paul George. As a result, along with their increased success level, the Pacers’ fans were filling their arena–Banker’s Life Fieldhouse–but their fans were still not as wild about their team, as a whole, as you will find within today’s Memphis Grizzlies.

I travel to Memphis once or twice per year mostly to take in a few Grizz games. I have seen nearly as many NBA games–both live and televised–since 2004 as humanly possible. The NBA truly is my hobby. I love the association. Let me tell you this: the most passionate fans in the entire NBA, in my opinion, belong to the Memphis Grizzlies. GRIZZ NATION. Ever since the days of Pau Gasol, Mike Miller, Shane Battier, Jason Williams, and Stromile Swift, I have been a Grizzlies’ fan.

Their playoff rally towels are referred to as “growl towels.” Their star First-Team defenseman, Tony Allen, is nicknamed “The Grindfather.” FedEx Forum, which houses the Grizzlies, has been coined as “The Grindhouse.” list goes on. There are so many things, such as terminology and nicknames, that make the franchise very likeable.

Grizz fans have experienced the ups, such as seeing their favorite team being an eight-seed and defeating the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2011 NBA Playoffs. They have also witnessed the downs when the Grizzlies below a 26 lead in the second half of a playoff game against the Los Angeles Clippers as well as seeing the league suspend Memphis’ MVP–Zach Randolph–for a Game 7 in last year’s postseason versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both times (Clippers and Thunder playoff games), the Memphis Grizzlies became defeated.

Regardless of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, the Memphis Grizzlies’ fan base is here to stay. The team represents the city and vice-versa. You cannot have the Grizzlies without Memphis. You cannot think of Memphis without mentioning the Grizzlies. It is a unique relationship–one not quite like any other in the NBA, not even a bond that Indiana and the Pacers can resemble.

I attended Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors. This was the first Grizz postseason contest I have witnessed in person. The entire game–whether it was when Memphis started slowly or at the moment in which M-Town went on a huge scoring run to put a scare into the Warriors or by the end of the game where it became clear the season was coming to an end–the fans were loud and proud of the product on the floor.

All fans will criticize players of their beloved team from time to time, and from what I have seen at Pacers’ games in the past, those fans will be hateful and personal about what they do not like about the team. If it is a particular player, they will verbally destroy that said player. I have readily noticed a difference from those fanatics compared to those supporters of the Memphis Grizzlies. What would that be?

Grizz fans, from my perspective, offer constructive criticism more than anything if they are looking for more from a particular player’s performance. During Game 6, it seemed as if the entire arena wanted Jeff Green to have a breakout game. Though he was being more aggressive than in previous games, the job was still not getting done. The Grizzlies were behind. However, the fans were loud and proud throughout–a harmonious bunch.

Growl towels flapping all around, chants breaking out, clapping and cheering being heard from all angles–Grizz Nation comes second to none in the “fandemonium” department. ALL fans chimed in during each chant. It was literally one big community coming together in support of the Memphis Grizzlies. It would give anyone shivers down their spine to hear such a sound ringing about the Grindhouse.

From what I have seen, although I cannot speak on behalf of all NBA fan bases, I do believe the Memphis Grizzlies own the most passionate fan base in the association and are planted in one of the friendliest NBA cities. Memphis and Grizz Nation alike, continue to do what you do. You are a critical component in making the Grizzlies great.

Go Grizz!

Nicely written and of professional quality.

No.

(05-28-2015 11:07 PM)Mimi Wrote:  No.

Is really hard to know the answer, but Memphis is definitely in the top 2 or 3.

Officials have said that Memphis is the hardest place to officiate because of the fans. If that doesn't scream passionate I don't know what does

Yes. For now. It can quickly change though. Remember when Sac town had the best fans? A few years later, attendance troubles and the team nearly left

(05-29-2015 06:23 AM)tigerjamesc Wrote:  Yes. For now. It can quickly change though. Remember when Sac town had the best fans? A few years later, attendance troubles and the team nearly left

Of course having the worst ownership in pro sports, the Maloof brothers, didn't help matters. Remember they gambled away the family fortune.

Good fans with some winning.

Horrific fans in other years.

Unlike a lot of other fan bases. Even now, Oakland, Chicago, Boston and many others still had solid attendance in down years. Memphis, paltry.

(05-30-2015 06:19 PM)Mimi Wrote:  Good fans with some winning.

Horrific fans in other years.

Unlike a lot of other fan bases. Even now, Oakland, Chicago, Boston and many others still had solid attendance in down years. Memphis, paltry.

you really should stick to the D-F forum....

I know it must suck for you that the pro team and city are so connected (ESPN #1 Pro Franchise - now #4)...

I know it hurts Professor. Try to get over it and get used to it.

"Cmon knock on my door...

(05-30-2015 06:19 PM)Mimi Wrote:  Good fans with some winning.

Horrific fans in other years.

Unlike a lot of other fan bases. Even now, Oakland, Chicago, Boston and many others still had solid attendance in down years. Memphis, paltry.

Those cities also have about 8 million more people living in the metro area, so getting 5,000 more fans to show up at a game than in Memphis isn't too impressive

Right now our fans and players are doing a great job...lots of community involvement, winning teams, community pride and more. We...I...enjoy that. It is a good thing.

Which is a completely different point from the fact that when not good, the forum is one of the more moribund sporting events out there. Stronger fan bases throw in more support even when mediocre. Ours has not.

Glad we are right now.

Silly to infer any more. Note...before another lame offering...I am proud, as a Memphians who works in Memphis and lives in Memphis and whose kids attend public school in Memphis...in the city of Memphis all....that our NBA team has done better of late and has received more support. Maybe we have crossed a threshold that when the team is down again a mid week game with Sacramento will not be a miserable experience...as it is not in many other places that support much more even when down.

Also hoping success levels reach more than four series wins in five playoff seasons. A good start but hardly enough.

(05-30-2015 10:11 PM)GTiger Wrote:  

(05-30-2015 06:19 PM)Mimi Wrote:  Good fans with some winning.

Horrific fans in other years.

Unlike a lot of other fan bases. Even now, Oakland, Chicago, Boston and many others still had solid attendance in down years. Memphis, paltry.

Those cities also have about 8 million more people living in the metro area, so getting 5,000 more fans to show up at a game than in Memphis isn't too impressive

Agree. Memphis has come a long way, in many areas even though we don't begin to have the masses other metro areas do, not even close. It's a shame some people are constantly miserable. It's truly sad when they just poison themselves as they try to bring people down with their constant misery. Very sad.

(05-30-2015 10:48 PM)Mimi Wrote:  Right now our fans and players are doing a great job...lots of community involvement, winning teams, community pride and more. We...I...enjoy that. It is a good thing.

Which is a completely different point from the fact that when not good, the forum is one of the more moribund sporting events out there. Stronger fan bases throw in more support even when mediocre. Ours has not.

Glad we are right now.

Silly to infer any more. Note...before another lame offering...I am proud, as a Memphians who works in Memphis and lives in Memphis and whose kids attend public school in Memphis...in the city of Memphis all....that our NBA team has done better of late and has received more support. Maybe we have crossed a threshold that when the team is down again a mid week game with Sacramento will not be a miserable experience...as it is not in many other places that support much more even when down.

Also hoping success levels reach more than four series wins in five playoff seasons. A good start but hardly enough.

^^^
That's all we need to know about you : a wolf in sheep's clothing. Stay in the D-F forum.