Oct 9, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies mascot Grizz performs before the game against Dallas Mavericks at FedExForum. Dallas Mavericks defeated Memphis Grizzlies 95-90. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
The Grizzlies waxed the Portland Trailblazers on Sunday night to take a 1-0 series lead in the opening round of the Playoffs. As I watched the game, I had my computer with me to get what I thought were the best reactions to the game from Twitter. Here were my favorites
Player of the Game, Beno Udrih
Beno Udrih had himself a game on Sunday. He led all Grizzlies in scoring with 20 points, 7 assists, and 0 turnovers while logging 24 minutes. It was a valuable performance since Conley is still ailing and allowed him to get some much needed rest. Here is what the world was saying about Beno.
I asked for a 6-0 run, and @BenoUdrih1 delivered to close the quarter. #BenoTheGreat
— Josh Coleman 📎 (@3SOB) April 20, 2015
Boom. https://t.co/2fZzhOtbtR
— Chip Williams (@chipwilliamsjr) April 20, 2015
#WheresBeno? Hitting buckets! Grizz lead Portland 25-15 after 1.
— Beale Street Bears (@BealeStBearsFS) April 20, 2015
What Beno is doing to Steve Blake is some serious white guard-on-white guard crime.
— John Martin (@JohnMartin929) April 20, 2015
MEMPHIS GETTING PRODUCTION FROM A BACKUP POINT GUARD AND CENTER 2012 ME NEVER THOUGHT THIS DAY WOULD COME
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) April 20, 2015
LeBron James today- 20 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds. Beno Udrih today- 20 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds. Beno Udrih > LeBron James.
— Joe Mullinax (@JoeMullinax) April 20, 2015
Halftime Reaction
When the game reached halftime, the Grizzlies had taken complete control of the game. The Grizzlies had a commanding 58-39 lead as both teams went to the locker room. Memphis was looking to cement their stranglehold grip on the Blazers, and Portland was looking to just figure out a way to get something going. Here’s what was being said at halftime.
Halftime show, Beno will catch bowls on his head while riding a unicycle.
— Geoff Calkins (@geoff_calkins) April 20, 2015
Through one half:
— Eli Savoie (@Eli560) April 20, 2015
Hoop City >>>>> Rip City
First half recap pic.twitter.com/rdzCLnjgKe
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) April 20, 2015
Natch vs. Grizz Wrasslin’
The Grizzlies also brought out the original mascot the team brought with them when they made the move from Vancouver. His name is now Natch (as in natural since you don’t see too many blue grizzly bears). And the two mascots engaged in some classic Memphis style wrasslin’.
WE WANT @JERRYLAWLER TO COME LAY THE SMACK DOWN ON @NATCHTHEBEAR!! @MemphisKingJoey @Grizz
— NBKay (@KateeForbis) April 20, 2015
Also, I don't want to spoil anything, but I can tell you Natch will get his comeuppance from Grizz.
— Geoff Calkins (@geoff_calkins) April 20, 2015
Random in game tweets
These tweets don’t necessarily fit a certain category, but I thought they were entertaining. You might not agree, but I certainly enjoyed them.
5:50 left. 94-74. Oregon, Trail-ing.
— Action News 5 (@WMCActionNews5) April 20, 2015
TONY ALLEN TOOK OFF, JUST LIKE THE AIRPLANES AT MEMPHIS INTERNATIONAL!!!
— Joe Mullinax (@JoeMullinax) April 20, 2015
Mike Conley’s hesitation dribble is just so lethal. And you have to respect the hesitation because of the floater. Analysis: he’s good.
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) April 20, 2015
Final Score Tweets
The Grizzlies had this game wrapped up pretty much once the 1st quarter was over. Once the final buzzer sounded, people let us know what they thought of the dominant performance by the Grizzlies.
Good game @memgrizz... pic.twitter.com/0y6oz86Hls
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 20, 2015
OK. Deep breath. Say it with me.
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) April 20, 2015
GRIT.
GRIND.
WIN.
REPEAT.
Final score: Memphis 100, Portland 86. And it wasn't that close.
— Michael Cohen (@Michael_Cohen13) April 20, 2015
I’ll be live tweeting the Wednesday night game as well. I’ll capture some more of the reaction and post them here on our site in anticipation of Game 3 in Portland. If you want to see some of your tweets show up here, tweet me @JustinStrawnFS and you might make the cut!