Entering Wednesday’s battle with the San Antonio Spurs — the second time in less than a week the Memphis Grizzlies have faced them — the phrase “must-win” is becoming more and more prevalent.
For more than a month, the Grizzlies owned the title of the NBA’s top team defense. It was not just a number behind points allowed; Memphis’ record spoke for itself. For a short time, they were atop the Western Conference standings and the league was fearing them yet again in the current decade.
Rounding out 2018, it was more than a snag in a road that was hit by the Beale Street gang.