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With the arrival of the Memphis Grizzlies, Mid-Southerners now have major-league sports right in their backyard. At the mid-point of the 2000-01 season, Michael Heisley, the owner of the Memphis Grizzlies, began to reconsider the team's future in Vancouver. With his mind set on relocation, Heisley appealed to the NBA Board of Governors.
Now that the Memphis Grizzlies have migrated South and settled into their new den, things are looking good. So far the team has added eight new players to it roster, including two strong contenders for Rookie of the Year Shane Battier (F) and Pau Gasol (F). Also Memphians are happy to welcome former University of Memphis star Lorenzen Wright (F-C) back home.
“Beat LA!” “Beat LA!” all around the Pyramid the chant could be heard. It was December 21, 2001, and the Memphis Grizzlies faced their second match against the World Champion LA Lakers. The first time around the Memphis Grizzlies recorded a tough lost at the Staples Center, but this time the Lakers were treading on Memphis Grizzlies ground. “Beat LA!” was the battle cry and the Memphis Grizzlies answered the call. When the final shot was released the score board read, Memphis Grizzlies 114, LA Lakers 108. This was the pinnacle of a three-game winning streak for the Memphis Grizzlies and one of the many highlights of 2001-2002 season.
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