BANNER YEAR?
Gasol says Griz goal still is to win tough division.
The privileged crew walking through restricted hallways and rooms inside FedExForum can’t help but notice something new.
There are motivational phrases painted in block letters on walls, making for a subtle change to the décor that is intended to promote positivity among the Grizzlies.
You know what else would make the Griz feel good about this suddenly topsy-turvy regular season?
Sealing the deal on the Southwest Division title, and that would mean adding the first professional basketball banner to the arena.
“It hasn’t looked that way for the past 21 games but that’s definitely one of our goals,” center Marc Gasol said. “We want to win that division. When you have a chance to put a banner up there (in the rafters) it’s good.”
What comes with a division crown is equally as satisfying when looking at the big picture. Claiming the Southwest means the Griz would be the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference standings and likely face the No. 7 Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs. Memphis won the season series between the teams, 3-1.
Griz coach Dave Joerger said winning the division is also meaningful given all five teams could finish among the West’s eight playoff qualifiers. Memphis entered Wednesday’s NBA action a half-game ahead of Houston while San Antonio and Dallas are locks to earn a postseason berth.
New Orleans sits 2½ games behind Oklahoma City for the eighth and final playoff spot.
“I don’t think it’s the toughest division in our league. It’s the toughest division in all major leagues,” Joerger said. “Year in and year out, it’s ridiculous. So for those guys to get rewarded for all of their hard work, year after year, would be positive.”