Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day is a huge day for the NBA in general, and the Memphis Grizzlies have played a part in the celebration day since 2003. The National Civil Rights Museum is less than a mile from the Grizzlies' home arena, the FedExForum, and is the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
The Lorraine Motel was the name of the now historic museum at the time of Dr. King's assassination after visiting Memphis to support the black sanitation workers' strike as part of his civil rights movement leadership. The history of this day resonates with many current Grizzlies players as they prepare to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Grizzlies' play on the court on this day has been more bad than good as they sport an 8-15 record in their 23 Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day games. However, the 'Grz Nxt Gen' era (est. 2019) is 4-1 on MLK Day, including winners of four consecutive games. Let's revisit some of their best moments on MLK Day.
January 19, 2004: Memphis Grizzlies - 88 Houston Rockets - 83
This game marked the Grizzlies' second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Game against the Houston Rockets. After losing their first-ever MLK Day game the year before, Pau Gasol produced 24 points and 11 rebounds in the Grizzlies' fourth-quarter comeback victory. James Posey scored 17 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter as Memphis erased an eight-point deficit in the fourth to win by five points.
January 18, 2010: Memphis Grizzlies - 125 Phoenix Suns - 118
In an exciting back-and-forth battle, the Grizzlies outlast the run and gun Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudamire-led Phoenix Suns. Rudy Gay led the Grizzlies with 31 points as they had four players score at least 19 points. Zach Randolph produced a double-double with 27 points and 11 rebounds, O.J. Mayo scored 28 points, and Marc Gasol chipped in 19 points
January 15, 2024: Memphis Grizzlies - 116 Golden State Warriors - 107
The Grizzlies return their exciting young wing against the Minnesota Timberwolves as GG Jackson prepares to make his season debut after recovering from a broken foot. The excitement the team has about him was brought to light during the Grizzlies MLK Day game last year against the Golden State Warriors.
Following the season-ending injury to Ja Morant, followed by lengthy injuries to Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart the Grizzlies entered MLK Day on a two-game losing streak looking for a spark. GG Jackson delivered in his welcome to the NBA moment with 23 points, six rebounds, two blocks, and two steals to lead the Grizzlies to the upset win over the Warriors 116-107.