In a battle between the Western Conference’s top two teams — the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors — who should fans of the Memphis Grizzlies hope to win?
Tonight marks a quest for another championship trophy within this decade for one NBA team, or the first NBA Finals appearance since 1995 for the other. It is a battle between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets.
While we will begin to find out as Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals tips off at 8:00 PM Central Time, it is important to know who to support.
Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and the Golden State Warriors?
No.
How about James Harden, Chris Paul (injured; if he plays), and the Houston Rockets?
Another no.
For a hint at the correct answer, take a look at the latest Beale Street Bears social media poll.
Who are you taking in tonight’s Game 7?
— Beale Street Bears (@BealeStBearsFS) May 28, 2018
The majority of the voters clearly pledge their allegiance to Grizz Nation, as they should. This is Grind City. Bandwagoning is not allowed amongst true Grizzlies fans.
Remember all the phantom calls James Harden has received on multiple occasions versus Memphis? Harden has shot more free-throw attempts individually in some games against the Grizzlies than Memphis has attempted as a team. Infuriating!
Plus, think about all the times when Kevin Durant has received superstar calls when he was a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Zach Randolph getting suspended for a Game 7 a few years back? Yes, KD was a member of that season’s OKC roster.
Chris Paul has flopped his way to the free-throw line many times in a handful of grueling battles between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies.
Stephen Curry dancing and shimmying on the Grizzlies has been annoying. Not to mention, so was nailing a three-quarters-court shot at the end of the third quarter in Game 6 of the 2015 Western Conference Finals. Talk about poison pills for Memphis.
No former Memphis Grizzlies exist on either team, the Warriors or Rockets. There is no former fan favorite to cheer for, support, or applaud. Both rosters are littered with names that have generated bad blood between them and the Grizz. Such names include Draymond Green, Nick Young, and Trevor Ariza in addition to Curry, Durant, Harden, and Paul.
Why jump ship now? We are all Grizzlies fans and have stuck together through thick and thin. We love basketball, particularly the NBA, so of course we will watch Game 7. It is our form of armchair scouting. But we will not be pushing for either club in tonight’s main event to become victorious.
True Memphis Grizzlies fans need to know this: 2017-18 was an off year and the squad will be right back in the mix of things beginning in a few short months. Two of the biggest roadblocks will be Houston and Golden State, and now is no time to get keen on a foe.