Can the Grizzlies make a comeback in Game 5; NCAA cracks down on collectives

Ray Padilla, Memphis Commercial Appeal

May 11, 2022 at 2:40 PM·3 min read

Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks drives past Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson during game four of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Chase Center on Monday, May 9, 2022.

Welcome back to the Memphis Sports newsletter. It’s Ray Padilla, The Commercial Appeal’s digital producer, with the latest in Bluff City Sports.

For all the bad shots Dillon Brooks took (and missed), for all the decisions Jenkins could have made differently, the Grizzlies are likely headed back to Memphis with a tied series if Morant is healthy, our Mark Giannotto writes in his latest column after the Grizzlies lost 101-98 in Game 4 against Golden State.

Here’s an excerpt:

You could make this loss about Dillon Brooks.
Just about everyone else did once the Memphis Grizzlies let Game 4 slip through its grasps.
You could also make this loss about Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins.
Just about everyone else who didn’t blame Brooks did.
But don’t make this loss more than it was.
More than a demoralizing but predictable outcome when star point guard Ja Morant is seated on the sideline watching in a sweatsuit instead of on the court with a playoff game hanging in the balance.

Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman poses for photos at Memphis East High School as the Mustangs retire their former basketball star's jersey on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.

James Wiseman on returning to Memphis, recovering from knee injury

James Wiseman didn't feel like a stranger at FedExForum for the NBA playoffs. Yet it didn't fully feel like home sitting on the Golden State Warriors bench, our Evan Barnes reports.

There's mixed emotions with Wiseman back in familiar territory for the Western Conference semifinals. The former Memphis high school basketball standout got to enjoy spaghetti cooked by his mother Donzaleigh Artis but he'd also rather be playing in a series combining his two worlds.

Evan tell us everything Wiseman had to say about returning to Memphis as well as the IARP process and his knee injury.

Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole lays the ball up against the Memphis Grizzlies during game two of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

From high school roommates to NBA playoff rivals

Before the Western Conference semifinals and before the college battles in Michigan, Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaron Jackson Jr. and Golden State Warriors'Jordan Poole were high school roommates at La Lumiere Prep, our Damichael Cole reports.

But now, this is a big of a role both players have had, and it is happening at the highest level.

“This series is probably the peak moment of basketball for me in terms of like on the court and off the court,” Poole said. “We really used to sit in the room and talk about being in the NBA together and making an impact.”

“It’s funny, it’s really cool at the end of the day,” Jackson added.

Memphis Tigers forward DeAndre Williams high-fives fans after their 92-78 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide at FedExForum on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021.

As NCAA cracks down on collectives, Memphis’ 901 Fund expects no issues

The NCAA is trying to clean up the name, image and likeness, which it argues has been muddied by the advent of donor-driven collectives, our Jason Munz reports.

But former University of Memphis walk-on offensive lineman and board member of the 901 Fund, Clay Presley, isn’t worried.

Presley said the NCAA has not made any attempt to investigate the 901 Fund’s dealings, and he does not expect it ever will.

“We have not engaged with anyone who’s not currently enrolled (at the University of Memphis),” said Presley. “The first round of rules (regarding NIL) left a lot open to interpretation. So, it made sense that, at some point, (the NCAA) would come back and try to shore that up. (But) we’ve been working with current student-athletes. No prospects.

Memphis Grizzlies fans fill FedExForum prior to the start of the second round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors. For complete Game 1 coverage, see Sports.

The Scoreboard

Memphis Grizzlies win against Golden State Warriors – Game 2 (106-101)

Memphis Grizzlies lose to Golden State Warriors – Game 3 (112-142)

Memphis Grizzlies lose to Golden State Warriors – Game 4 (98-101)

Memphis 901 FC win against Charleston Battery (2-0)

May 1, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies mascot Grizz entertains the crowd as the team takes on the Golden State Warriors during game one of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Joe Rondone-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Your Calendar

Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors – Game 5: Wednesday, May 11, 8:30 p.m. at FedExForum

Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors – Game 6: Friday, May 13 at Chase Center

Memphis 901 FC vs Indy Eleven: Saturday, May 13, 7 p.m. at AutoZone Park

The Memphis Sports newsletter was written by Ray Padilla, the digital producer for The Commercial Appeal, and features stories written by Damichael Cole, Mark Giannotto, Evan Barnes and Jason Munz. Ray can be reached at raymond.padilla@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @Ray_Padilla_.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Sports: Grizzlies losing momentum; NCAA on collectives

Reuters
US House Speaker Mike Johnson's future hangs in balance as he scrambles for funding deal
Mike Johnson’s hold on the speakership of the U.S. House of Representatives has been tenuous almost since the day he was elected. The Louisiana Republican only ended up with the job in October 2023 after the unruly members of his House caucus deposed then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy and cast about for someone who could amass enough votes to replace him. The soft-spoken Johnson, 52, had never served in the higher levels of House leadership before.
Associated Press
China's Xi swears in new leader of casino hub Macao, telling the city to diversify economy
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the casino hub of Macao to diversify its economy as he swore in the former Portuguese colony's new government on Friday at an event marking the 25th anniversary of its handover to China. New Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai — Macao’s first leader born in mainland China — vowed to address the territory's unbalanced and uncoordinated economic development. Since its 1999 handover, the city of 687,000 has transformed from a monopoly-driven gambling enclave into the world’s largest gaming hub, drawing hordes of tourists from mainland China.
TODAY
Oysters sold in 15 states recalled over norovirus risk
The Food and Drug Administration announced a recall for oysters that may be contaminated with norovirus. The oysters were distributed in at least 15 states.
TODAY
'90 Day Fiancé' star David Murphey dies at 66, family remembers his time on the show
David Murphey, who appeared on “90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days,” has died at 66, according to a statement from his family shared on Instagram.
Reuters
Top US officials in Damascus to meet new Syrian rulers, State Department says
Top diplomats from the Biden administration are in Damascus on Friday to meet new Syrian authorities led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a State Department spokesperson said, the first in-person and official meeting between Washington and Syria's de-facto new rulers. The State Department's top Middle East diplomat Barbara Leaf, Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens and newly appointed Senior Advisor Daniel Rubinstein, who is now tasked with leading the Department's Syria engagement, are the first U.S. diplomats to travel to Damascus since Syria's opposition militias overthrew oppressive President Bashar al-Assad.
AFP
US diplomats visit Syria to meet new rulers
US diplomats have arrived in Syria to speak directly to the new Islamist-led rulers, hoping to encourage a moderate, inclusive path and to find clues on missing Americans, the State Department said Friday.Also present is Roger Carstens, the US point man on hostages, who has been seeking clues on missing Americans including Austin Tice, a journalist who was kidnapped in August 2012.
Associated Press
US diplomats and hostage envoy in Syria on first visit since Assad ouster
The first U.S. diplomats to visit Syria since President Bashar Assad’s ouster earlier this month are now in Damascus to hold talks with the country’s new leaders and seek information on the whereabouts of missing American journalist Austin Tice. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, former special envoy for Syria Daniel Rubinstein and the Biden administration’s chief envoy for hostage negotiations, Roger Carstens, made the trip for talks with Syria’s interim leaders, the State Department said early Friday.
CNN
US concedes it has double the number of troops in Syria as Biden sends officials to Damascus
The Pentagon announced the US currently has “approximately 2,000” troops in Syria, more than double the previously disclosed number of 900, a Defense Department spokesperson said at a press briefing on Thursday.
AFP
Sweden sees red over Germany's energy policy
As one of Europe's biggest suppliers of electricity, Sweden is seeing red over Germany's energy policy, which it says ends up punishing Swedish consumers.That includes imports from Sweden, which was Europe's second biggest net exporter of electricity last year -- behind France -- according to energy market website Montel.
AFP
'You always feel vulnerable': Britons impacted by no-fault evictions
Sitting by the fireplace in her house in the south of England, Jackie Bennett recalls the shock she felt when she received out-of-the-blue an eviction notice giving her just two months to move out.The bill would give tenants a longer notice period in the event of an eviction, giving them more time to plan their next housing arrangement.
Associated Press
A lynching in the family inspired Michigan's first Black woman elected justice to pursue the law
During Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden's first campaign, a critic told her she wasn't Michelle Obama or Kamala Harris, “but you feel emboldened to run for this office.” Bolden, now 36, won that race, for the statehouse in 2018, and in 2022 she was appointed as the youngest-ever justice, and first Black woman, on Michigan's top court. Voters affirmed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's choice by electing Bolden to her seat in November.
AFP
Australia agrees deal to strengthen Solomons police
Australia said Friday it had agreed to boost Solomon Islands' police force with a multi-year funding, training and infrastructure package for the Pacific nation, which has fostered close ties with China.Despite Australia's overtures, Solomon Islands ties with China remain tight.
CBS News
Luigi Mangione faces federal murder, stalking charges in CEO killing
Luigi Mangione faces four new federal charges, including murder, which could make him eligible for the death penalty. He is also facing multiple state charges.
Reuters
'Amphibious mouse' among 27 new species discovered in Peru's Amazon
An "amphibious mouse" with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition to Peru's Amazon, according to Conservation International. Scientists also discovered a spiny mouse, a squirrel, eight types of fish, three amphibians and 10 types of butterflies, Trond Larsen, head of Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program, told Reuters this week. The new species were found in Alto Mayo, a protected area with several ecosystems, Indigenous territories and villages.
USA TODAY
Campaign manager charged with acting as Chinese agent in California election
Yaoning "Mike" Sun, who served as the campaign manager for a Southern California politician two years ago, was arrested Thursday, prosecutors said.
Associated Press
France's military is being ousted from more African countries. Here's why
It's been a tumultuous month for France and its relationship with former colonies in Africa, as its influence on the continent faces the biggest challenge in decades. As Paris was devising a new military strategy that would sharply reduce its permanent troop presence in Africa, two of its closest allies struck a double blow. The government of Chad, considered France's most stable and loyal partner in Africa, announced on its Independence Day it was ending defense cooperation to redefine its sovereignty.
AFP
Cod is king in Portugal at Christmas
Salt cod has long been a national staple in Portugal, where it is said there are as many recipes for this humble fish as there are days in the year."We have an incredible culture" around the preserved fish, the 42-year-old added, saying he "likes to play" with traditional recipes to give them a touch of sophistication.
Associated Press
The warm Turkish welcome for refugees is ending and Syrians are worried
Turkey gained renown as a haven for refugees by welcoming more than 3 million Syrians fleeing violence between forces from Bashar Assad ’s government and a patchwork of rebel groups. Cabuli spent several years in a refugee camp before he found a job at a textile factory in Gaziantep, a southern Turkish city near the Syrian border.
Associated Press
International students urged to return to US campuses before Trump inauguration
A growing number of U.S. colleges and universities are advising international students to return to campus before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, over concerns that he might impose travel bans like he did during his first administration. At some schools, the spring semester begins before Trump will take office, so students may have to be back in class anyway. Here’s a look at what Trump has said and done and how schools and students are preparing for his second term: What did Trump do in the past?
Associated Press
A beginner's guide to Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa has become a nationally recognized celebration of African culture and community in the United States since its founding in 1966 and also is celebrated in countries with large African descendant populations. Kwanzaa has grown in popularity in the decades since its founding and is celebrated by 3% of the country, according to a 2019 AP-NORC survey. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama all released statements commemorating the holiday, and in 1997 the U.S. Postal Service began issuing Kwanzaa stamps.