There ain't no Jazz in Utah.

Before we talk about tonight's tough matchup with the Jazz, let's read a little more about last night's win. TrueHoop gives OJ some well deserved props. I've said it before, and I'll hopefully say it a lot more, but OJ Mayo is a killer. In his second year he already knows that he doesn't need to score the whole game, but when the Grizz need a bucket late in a game OJ gets it. He doesn't feel pressure. He feeds on it. Last night was just another example of it, and it's good to see some national press notice.

Moving on to tonight. I don't know how else to say it, I expect an L. We're on the second half of a back to back, on the road, in Utah, at altitude, playing against one of the best point guards in the league, on the last game of a road trip. These are all reasons we should lose. That being said, I'll be looking to see what kind of energy the boys come out with. If they come out and play hard, I'll be impressed. Win or lose, I'll be impressed with their professionalism. It will take me back to the glory days of Dunkyland. The Hubie years. Those teams never gave away a game. That's how they won 50. They just outworked teams most nights. It was before the attitudes took over. It was my first and only experience with a 50 win NBA team. It was the best of times.

Until now. This team is quickly becoming my favorite Grizz team ever. I like Randolph more than Pau. I like Marc Gasol more than Wright. Rudy has a higher ceiling than Battier. And Mayo is a killer, while Bonzi was a psycho and Mike Miller, God love him, won't even take a shot in the clutch. Actually looking at these two teams, a couple things stand out to me. First, this may be the best Grizzlies starting line up ever. Actually, I don't think it's close. Second, is how deep that 03-04 team was. They had Mike Miller, James Posey and Earl Watson coming off the bench. Hell, even Stromile played well in the minutes he got. That's what this team is missing.

Luckily, the Grizz are shopping right now. We don't need a lot. We just need a guy that can play the 2/3 that can back up Rudy and OJ. Sam Young is playing great, but we need a veteran off the bench. Right now, our starting lineup is playing more minutes than any starting lineup in the league. That cannot continue. Injuries and fatigue will become major issues.

We do have assets. We have three first round draft picks this year. We don't need them. We need ours, but the other two (Denver and Lakers) are expendable. Those should be enough along with Stephen Hunter's expiring contract to get a sixth man. Give us that and Darrell Arthur coming back next month and we could be deep enough to make a playoff run. And that would be a welcome sight around these parts.

If that happens, it would be a miracle. If that happens there are some awards coming our direction. Lionel has already won coach of the month. He'll be mentioned as coach of the year. Zach will be in talks for comeback player of the year. More importantly though, shouldn't Chris Wallace be considered for executive of the year? And if so, doesn't that really mean that Mike Heisley is the executive of the year? I hate to say it, but that guy may be crazy like a damn fox. He hired the coach. He went and got Zach. He believed in Conley. He forced the OJ trade. Seriously, the guy looks like a damn genius, and I never thought I'd say that.

It's a good day to be a Grizz.

UPDATE: Derron Williams is a gametime decision tonight. He has a sprained wrist. He missed shoot around. No Williams would help... a lot.