Grizz Get Screwed

Kings 85 Grizzlies 82

How hard is it to see that someone has tipped a ball? Apparently in Sacramento, it's damn near impossible. Mike Bibby hit a last-second three to win the game for the Kings, but the shot should never have been allowed. There were 1.4 seconds left--Peja Stojakovic's inbound pass to Mike Bibby was tipped by James Posey, which should have alerted the timekeeper to start the clock. It didn't. Bibby's shot should not have counted. How can three referees and a timekeeper miss a tipped ball? Fair or not, this loss hurts.

What may be overlooked is how well the Grizzlies played in the fourth quarter--once again, they clawed and fought and scratched their way to tie this ballgame. Great hustle all around--big shots by Brian Cardinal, Earl Watson, and others--it was all there for the Grizzlies. Unfortunately, they couldn't pull out the win, as improbable as the win would have been. The Grizzlies have my respect and admiration for their sheer guts. Mike Bibby is a big time player, and came up clutch once again--unlike "All-Star" Peja Stojakovic who once again came up like a chump in the 4th. Peja's weak.

Couple this loss with Houston's win, and the Grizzlies fall back to 7th place in the West, a game behind the Rockets. This was a tough, tough loss--but this game should have gone to overtime.