Why Memphis Grizzlies Playoff Buzz Is Rivaling The Best Of Time From The Grit And Grind Era

Alex Hannah walked the runway at FedExForum on Saturday wearing a blue-and-gold WWE-style championship belt. A fan forbade him to stand with her.

The belt was made at the request of his parents, Ryo, and had some respect for the Grit and Grind era. Near the center of the Memphis Grizzlies were signs that read, "This is Memphis, we're here."

That was just one example of the growing excitement in the playoffs this season, starting with Saturday's first game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, unlike in previous years, the Grizzlies were among the No. 2 candidates in the Western Conference.

These sounds probably excited more fans than Grit and Grind's 2010 Grizzlies era.

"It's not like that. We weren't ready when the season started, but we're ready now," said Tucker Robinson. "We have shown that we can work with everyone."

READ MORE: Why these Memphis Grizzlies may now be ready to win an NBA title | canotta

More: Forget the "Hustle & Flow" thing. The Memphis Grizzlies won at Hustle & Float

READ MORE: How YoungBoy Music Influenced Memphis Grizzlies' Success

Robinson, who wore the Dylan Brooks uniform, watched his first FedExForum playoff match with his friend Hayden Marscuil. Not only was Marcuilla excited to meet the Timbervolves, he was excited that the Grizzlies could maintain that success for years to come.

"It's a wonderful change from the era of Josh Selby and Bruno Capoclo," Marsquilla said.

Fans gathered on Beale Street at 11 a.m. 3.5 hours before the announcement. They appeared at Silky O'Sullivan's or Alfred's for a drink and lunch before the game, where fans wore a variety of Grizzly shirts.

The Grizzlies may not be weak in the series, but the fans looked at them almost like the Grizzly and Grind teams. Whether it's Ja Morant's vibrations and reflexes, or the team's young bells, they represent a new energy that comes from the old "we are against them" attitude.

The story continues

Candice and Dallas Moya bought their season tickets in 2020 when the Grizzlies entered the NBA. They saw something in Morant's great game and loved to convey it to the entire Memphis team and the public.

"I think everyone is from here. They understand us," Candice Moya said.

Dallas Moya said that the success of the Grizzlies distinguishes them from previous teams. This season's regular matches look like a playoff, and now he wants to see the moments spread rapidly in the playoffs.

"There's noise in the building," he said. "It's always like a gym."

That's why Grizzly fans aren't just thinking about a series or a playoff this year. The Grit and Grind Era competed for seven places in the playoffs in 2011-17, but was rarely the series' favorite.

There is a feeling that this team may be on the same path, but with greater expectations. One of the youngest teams in the NBA, the Grizzlies feel they are looking for a team with greater potential for development.

For Randall Adren and other fans, this explains why the syringe of this series is so different. It's not just the usual qualifying fever, but also the hope that Saturday will see a performance that changes the team's perception and attracts more national attention.

"It looks like the ceiling has never been high and will stay here for a while," Audren said.

Want to stay up to date with the latest sports news from Memphis? The business subscription gives you unlimited access to the best internal information and local sports news, as well as sports news from USA Today's 109 website.

You can contact Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or send an email to evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com.

This article first appeared in the Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies fans have higher expectations than the NBA Playoffs.

An unforgettable season for the Memphis Grizzlies