The streets in downtown Memphis were mostly empty late Wednesday afternoon, neon signs glowing above mostly empty bars and barbecue joints on Beale Street.
Across the street, the FedEx Forum was mostly empty, entire rows of blue seats without a fan in them. There really weren’t any boos when the Clippers were announced later. There weren’t any chants directed at the visitors.
When the Grizzlies put the finishing touches on a 96-86 win, there weren’t many reasons to celebrate. It was a win — one of 14 they’ve had this season. There really wasn’t any hatred. There really wasn’t anything special about any of it.