I witnessed my first live NBA playoff game yesterday. Here are some pics.
We pre-gamed at the Flying Saucer. I decided to get some cheap, crappy beers done for my plate. Bud Light has started providing a space on the label for you to “make your mark.” So I did.
I went to the game with my friend Clay and two of his co-workers. Here’s a view of the FedExForum from our seats, under “white-out” conditions.
The people holding the signs in the photo above understand who’s good and who’s a has-been.
“And now… introducing… YOUR… MEMPHIS… GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIZZLIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
During one of the timeouts they had a contest. They brought up a guy and girl and allowed the crowd to vote on who would shoot. If the shooter made a 3-point shot in 30 seconds, everyone in the arena would get free tater tots from Sonic. The girl was Leslie, seen in the middle of this shot, red hair, facing the camera. Leslie has been seen on this blog in a tube top before. Right as the voting was about to occur, a third contestant was added: Penny Hardaway, seen facing the camera at left, shaking hands, in this shot. He handily made the three and the crowd got tots.
At halftime, the Beale Street Flippers performed. In this shot, one of the flippers springs over four of his buddies.
Zach Randolph shoots a free throw. The Grizzlies, behind by double digits late in the game, showed their heart, grit and grind, taking the game to overtime and then demolishing the Thunder for the victory.
Above: The victory celebration. When the game ended, people didn’t hurry out the door; they yelled and screamed and waved their growl towels for several minutes before leaving.
Above: The identity of Osama bin Laden’s assassin has been revealed.
We ended up back at the Saucer after the game. About 8:30 some of the others said, “Waaaaaah, it’s starting to get a little crowded in here, I’m going to head south for a second-rate karaoke night with bad singing and marginally attractive women.” Those who are hardcore remained. After a quick trip home to drop off my new Grizzlies merchandise, I came back to enjoy some of the rare beers the Saucer unveiled for its 14th birthday. It was a fun night, including a fire alarm and a Josh Pastner appearance at the Saucer. Above: Lil’ Kim believes.
My new Grizzlies gear. From left to right: Tony Allen shirt, Zach Randolph shirt, growl towel, “Believe Memphis” shirt. You can get the Allen and Randolph shirts from Verno.
Having been to a playoff game, I get the whole “Grizz Fever” thing in a whole different way now, and want to offer this advice: Go to as many games at the FedExForum as you can. I’m only passing up a chance to go Monday because 1) with a $700 car repair bill and a new camera, this month is getting massively expensive; 2) I suspect I’ll have more opportunities to go to playoff games in May and maybe even June; and 3) I’d have to miss my Monday poker night with Brick. Seriously, though, you don’t experience even one-tenth of the electricity of the game watching it on TV. Get tickets and go.
The new Grizz gear is in the washing machine right now. I think I may bring the growl towel out for Sunday Fun Day. I suspect there are shenanigans to be had with it.