Game 3 wrap up/ Game 4 preview/AI Edition

Lot's of Grizz news, let's get it going.

First, tough loss for the Grizz last night. OJ Mayo dropped 40 for the first time in his career. What's scary is he did so with only two free throws. Note to NBA refs: OJ Mayo is a budding superstar. It's time to give him a couple of calls. He's going to the hole more, give him the damn call. Speaking of refs, they were a major part of the game last night. They basically made three fifths of the Grizz starting lineup sit out the third quarter. Sadly, Marcus Williams couldn't pick up the slack for Mike Conley and the Grizz sputtered, while the Nugs opened up a double digit lead.

The boys in Beale Street Blue played hard though. The starting lineup seems to be tough for folks to deal with. Everyone can score and everyone is at least somewhat willing to pass. Even Mike Conley has shown a willingness to use his quickness to go to the hole. One things for certain, these are not Mike Fratello's Grizz. These boys can score. We'd like to see a little more D though.

Speaking of D, the big news of the night appears to be a shouting match between OJ and Rudy late in the fourth quarter. OJ apparently yelled at everyone to get back on D and get some stops. Seems appropriate. Rudy took offense and yelled back. Also, seems somewhat appropriate. The officiating seemed to be really getting to Rudy. He had several drives in the second half where he got fouled and it wasn't called. He also was having to the deal with 'Melo who is playing out of his mind right now. He dropped 43 last night.

All parties tried to put out the fire after the game. They said all the right things. It was a heat of the battle type of thing. Rudy pointed out that OJ and he worked out together all summer. They are fine. Or are they?

This is important because a season which everyone predicts will be filled with drama didn't need anymore. Well, we're getting some tonight. Reports from all over say tonight is the night. AI is back. I think the Grizz need this right now. There is no scoring off the bench. I pointed out earlier that this starting lineup can score. Well, the bench has nothing. There is DeMarre Carroll hustling and.... well, Thabeet did have 4 blocks, 6 rebounds and 6 fouls in 12 minutes last night. AI is needed off the bench. The problem is we all know he won't be happy with that. Let's just hope he takes a while to work himself into shape off the bench, or that Mike Conley mans up and shows AI that he deserves to start, because that's the only way this will work.

Luckily, we're playing the Kings tonight. As long as we hold Kevin Martin under 45 we should be ok. Granted, it's never easy to win the second game of a back to back on the road. That being said, it's one of the few games on the schedule where the Grizz have clear talent advantage and AI playing should give the guys an emotional boost. I know Tyreke got hurt the other night and I haven't seen whether or not he's available tonight. I hope so, cause I'd sure like to see it.

Last, but certainly not least, the deadline to sign Rudy to an extension is tonight at 10:59 central time. The Celtics just announced that they signed Rondo to a 5 year/ $55 million deal. That's good for the Grizz. Rondo has had success on a playoff team. He dominated last year in the playoffs. If he gets $55 million then Rudy has to get less. We'll see though. I have said all along that I am for letting Rudy become a restricted free agent and letting everyone know we'll match any offer. That should give us the best possible deal. The cap is going down and there shouldn't be too many folks going after Rudy when Chris Bosh, D Wade and a guy name LeBron will be on the market. That's how I see it at least.

One more thing. How 'bout Drogba's boy Manu...

Wow.

Go Grizz!