Sure, the home team lost another opener. But there were actual happy tears at the game. Why? Because the Memphis Grizzlies are back for their 23rd year. 

“There is a lot of negative press about this city. But there’s good stuff happening, every day,” says Cody Behles, director of innovation and research support at the University of Memphis. 

The most important part of ESPN’s story on Ja Morant isn’t anything in the story. It’s the impact it could have on Morant. A column about alligators, rocks and umbrellas — and what they all may mean.

Paul Young will be the new mayor of Memphis. And you should feel optimistic about that. Yes, optimistic. It may have gone out of fashion. But Young just might bring it back. 

After 15 years, Derrick Rose is returning to Memphis as “a different Derrick.” But can this version rub off on Ja Morant?

The Rendezvous opened 75 years ago. Its success is a lesson in determination, authenticity — and putting down stakes (or ribs!) where you are. So have a cheese and sausage plate to celebrate. It’s a Memphis ribiversary!

Yes, pickleball is coming to Beale Street. And to FedExForum after that. It’s brought to you by two Memphians who started Pickleball 901 on the theory that — as one of them put it — “pickleball’s a beast.”

Danny Smith, 47, collapsed and died leading a bicycle ride last week. The Memphis cycling community was stunned. Smith wasn’t just an increasingly accomplished cyclist. He made the city a better — and more connected — place. 

“The city’s proposal to fund stadium renovations is now out there for all he world to see. How should Memphians think about that? They should hope that Robert Pera and the Grizzlies don’t hold a grudge.”

“Who starts up a newspaper these days? What a preposterous thing to do. But in just five years, The Daily Memphian has become one of the things that binds this city together. That’s worth pausing to celebrate.”

Wes Smith was murdered in an act of random cruelty. He’ll be buried in Memphis Saturday. The family’s response is to celebrate the remarkable life their son led — and to shower his friends and community with love. 

University of Memphis athletic director Laird Vearch said this a “moment of truth” for the Tigers. But it’s more than that. It’s a moment of truth for a city that wants to keep its major-league status.

Nearly every good thing in Memphis has had to overcome fierce opposition. See Shelby Farms and the Grizz. So it’s no surprise that change didn’t come easy for the new Tom Lee Park. But the new place looks spectacular.

Richie Fletcher on his wife, Liza: “We would have late-night talks about Memphis. We could have been far away, without any worries in the world. I was always like, ‘We need to get out of here.’ But she didn’t want to leave.”

Should the city move forward with funding for the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium? Of course. But only as part of a larger agreement that keeps the Grizzlies in town. 

Related story:

U of M president on realignment: ‘We are a well-kept secret and we should not be’

“In a perfect world, we would have a Memphis where we didn’t have to run scared. But I don’t think that day is here yet. And I don’t think we will get there if we quit.”

Jennifer Biggs wrote about food and people and angels and whiskey. When she died Wednesday of complications from cancer, Memphis lost one of its best friends.

Here’s what we learned about those who showed up Tuesday for the Memphis mayoral debate. 

Sean Tuohy said he was stunned Monday when he read the allegations from Michael Oher.

Related story:

‘Blind Side’ NFL lineman Michael Oher says he was tricked by Tuohy family

You know Clarence, the angel in “It’s a Wonderful Life?” Jack Sammons is nothing like him. But in this challenging time for Memphis, Sammons shares a story about Clarence. And Memphians should take it to heart.

Annie Ruth Taylor, 94, has 19 kids, 54 grandkids and 124 great-grandkids. OK, that’s just a rough count. But take a moment to meet the most interesting woman in Memphis — who lives in a most interesting house.

Murphy Culpepper has Down syndrome. He got a hole-in-one the other day. Here’s the story of how it happened — and why Murphy’s story needs to be shared. 

When Lexie Johnston checked her “Ceaseless Prayer” app Tuesday, she laughed out loud. It suggested she pray for MLGW. Yes, MLGW. It’s been that kind of week in Memphis. Or that kind of week, again.

I never met Roy Herron. But I’m one of the thousands he touched. Herron — who died Sunday from injuries suffered in a Jet Ski accident earlier this month — left a legacy even more meaningful than his 26 years in public office. It’s a legacy of kindness, of showing up.