The Memphis Grizzlies Went Into Utah And Shocked The World

Melissa Majchrzak. Getty Images.

What a way to end our opening weekend of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Maybe this is just recency bias and my general love for playoff basketball, but have we had a better start to the first round? Every single game delivered. A total of 8 games over 2 days and not one wasn't awesome. What started with Khris Middleton's game winner ended with the 8 seeded Memphis Grizzlies going into Utah and taking Game 1. To think there were some out there that thought this series would be a snoozefest because Steph Curry wasn't playing. You know why he's at home? Ja Morant and these Grizzlies. The same Grizzlies that just took a 1-0 lead against the team with the best record in the NBA. It's true that Donovan Mitchell didn't play but come on. Now the Jazz don't have enough talent to handle the Grizzlies? This was just an old fashion beatdown by a young team that is clearly not afraid of any team or any moment.

Maybe put some respect on their name. It was another monster night for Ja Morant who took over late and finished with 26, and then Dillion Brooks who carried them in the third quarter and finished with 31, 

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but the Grizzlies got this win by going just 7-20 from three. I don't know what that means but it's probably a good sign for Memphis. Shows they can win without getting a prayer shooting night from deep. Look, it's not like we haven't seen 8 vs 1 upsets before.

If you're the Jazz, a team that everyone said all year we didn't give a shit about what you did in the regular season until you showed it in the playoffs, well……this is not great. You're not exactly avoiding the whole choking in the playoffs thing when you choke Game 1 at home. Never want to lose home court immediately after you just spent all year securing it. 

This now puts a whole lot more pressure on Game 2, a reality I'm not sure Jazz fans were prepared for. I suppose maybe it's warranted, especially with Gobert pulling this shit

What a way to start the first round. We officially have some early chaos.