It was going to be a magnificent night for Memphis. Then Ja Morant and the Grizzlies crashed to the earth.

With Ja Morant finding his rhythm as both a scorer and a playmaker, the Grizzlies were about to win Game 3. And then it all evaporated in the split second between contact and collapse. 

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Win or lose, the “we’re in this together” energy can enrich a community. Memphis now gets at least two chances to show it in this series.

The Thunder absolutely destroyed the Grizzlies in Games 1 and 2. So what reason is there to believe in Memphis? I’m glad you asked.

Tuesday night in Oklahoma City, after his team’s 118-99 Game 2 loss, was as close as Memphis Grizzlies interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo has seemed to angry.

The state governing body for high school athletics is facing the possibility of a government takeover. Or outright dissolution.

Extracting the most value from the rest of the series begins with making it competitive. Can the Grizzlies slow down the Oklahoma City buzzsaw?

Jackson’s career playoff averages are: 15 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks, shooting 39% from the floor and 33% from 3-point range. Can he do more than that Tuesday night in Game 2?

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The Grizzlies lost Game 1 to Oklahoma City by 51 points, and as interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo said, “It’s very hard to play worse than this.”

“Following Christ means looking at the decisions Jesus made, how he made his way in the world and wrestling with what that looks like for me.”

“Every spring, when daffodils push up through the dirt and new leaves sprout on the trees, the earth re-tells this old story. It’s the same story, over and over and over again.”

A slowdown in global trade because of the tariffs could mean layoffs, lower investment or worse for many Memphis companies big and small.

“Every day, Regional One quietly performs life-saving work, often without the recognition or resources it deserves. It serves our entire region – rich and poor, urban and rural, young and old – without pause or prejudice.”

“Progress for the city doesn’t only come from attracting big name companies and potential new jobs, it must also include environmental justice and protecting the health of all residents.”

When Ja Morant sprang off his bum ankle to slam the ball home against the Mavericks on Friday night, it wasn’t just a dunk — it was an unmistakable statement of intent.

It’s been too long since Memphis Grizzlies fans have seen, heard and felt postseason hoops. Whatever comes next, everyone invested in the enterprise needed this. 

“Should you like to play a King-Collins course, still rare but growing in number, there’s one right smack dab in the middle of your city.”

The Mavs were in the NBA Finals last spring and then added title-tested veteran Klay Thompson in the offseason to aid what they hoped would be another run.

Memphis NBA fans are facing an unprecedented dilemma Friday: Is it better if the Grizzlies win or lose?

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“The nation’s institutions should encourage an open exploration of its past — one that accounts for both triumphs and shortcomings, one that eschews sloppy oversimplification, one that highlights how history contains an array of voices that have shaped who we are today.”

“There is bipartisan support for greater concerted efforts to leverage data from across the criminal justice system to improve effectiveness, evidence-based decision making, and transparency.”

“I know what it feels like to sit in jail awaiting trial, uncertain of what comes next, with no meaningful opportunity to defend yourself or reclaim your freedom. That’s not what justice looks like.”

“Thankfully, the angst gave way. The swirl quieted to a calm and left no indication that it had ever existed. If I weren’t so thankful, I’d be mad — mad that I can’t look back and identify a single silver bullet or a proven magic pill.”