Grizzlies focus through loss

[La Bomba]

Back on Nov. 2, the Griz dipped their collective foot in the deep end of Allen Iverson's pool of controversy.

 

They were overtime losers to the Kings. Memphis just began greasing a seven-game skid.

 

But now the Griz insist that their hoops heads are well-adjusted.

 

Winners in three of the past four games, coach Lionel Hollins' troops are out to prove that Saturday's loss to Milwaukee was just a speed bump and they are more mentally tough than it seemed three weeks ago.

 

"We're more mature now," forward Rudy Gay said. "We're tougher. We're better defensively. We help each other out. We've learned a lot since then."

 

The most important lesson learned for the NBA's youngest team was to leave selfish play in the arena parking lot. Although the Griz took a detour in the second half of the Saturday defeat, they averaged about 22 assists during their three-game win streak.

 

It's no coincidence that the Milwaukee game produced just 18 assists for the Griz. They amassed fewer than 20 assists in four games during their seven-game slide.

 

"When we're moving the ball and focusing, we're good," veteran forward Zach Randolph said. "But the big difference now is we're getting stops and just believing we can win."

 

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/nov/23/grizzlies-focus-through-loss/