Dating back to the Pyramid days, this game and all that surrounds it is a major event for Memphis and for the Grizzlies, once a symbol of the city’s arrival as an NBA market and always a testament to its meaning.

In addition to Memphis, meals will be packaged in eight other U.S. cities including Atlanta, Houston and Los Angeles.

Gary Payton, Luol Deng, Nancy Lieberman and Eddie George were recognized as this year’s National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award honorees as part of the Grizzlies Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Game.

Ja Morant scored 29 points and Desmond Bane scored 28 in a dominant Memphis victory. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 136, Suns 106

Panelists at the National Civil Rights Museum event included Katrina Merriweather, head coach of the University of Memphis women’s basketball team, Memphis Grizzlies small forward Danny Green and former NBA superstar Grant Hill.

There are limited opportunities left for quality wins on Memphis’ schedule. And if it plays anywhere close to the level at which it played versus Temple, it’ll be difficult to take care of business against even mediocre AAC foes.

The Oklahoma transfer is the 11th former Power Five player to commit to Memphis. 

“With an aging membership in churches and the broader society, the need for compassionate care for those who have dementia is rapidly increasing.”