Kobe Bryant had a vision for Mackenly Randolph. Her father, former Grizzlies star Z-Bo, is determined to make it come true. 

I’m not sure anyone is bothered by the “parade inside my city” line aside from a television carnival barker and people on the Internet, but does a lyrical investigation after recent incidents make one wince? Sure.

Related story:

Grizzlies Insider: Dillon Brooks wants Memphis to bring playoff atmosphere

“We are building up to it, and once we get (to the playoffs) I know it’s going to be rocking regardless of the score,” says Brooks. 

With a victory over the Atlanta Hawks, the Grizzlies’ winning streak extends to six.

Related:

Box score: Grizzlies 123, Hawks 119

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Atlanta Hawks.

It seemed likely to be a subdued night, after the “return of Ja Morant” show. Then, almost suddenly, it became The Luke Kennard show. He set a franchise record for 3-pointers despite coming off the bench.

Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman Sr. spent Thursday as a chaperone on a kindergarten field trip, then helped beat the Rockets one day later. 

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Houston Rockets at FedExForum on Friday, March 24, 2024.

Luke Kennard set the franchise record for 3-point makes with 10. The Grizzlies also set a new franchise high from beyond the arc with 25 triples on 59.5% shooting. 

Related stories:

The big chaperone: Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman Sr. not too cool for school

Box score: Grizzlies 151, Rockets 114

For a team many expected to slide, the month of March has belonged to Jaren Jackson Jr., who’s led the team at 23 points per game on 53% shooting, as the Grizzlies have reclaimed their spot at second in the conference. 

Related story:

Grizzlies Insider: Memphis teammates describe passion of Dillon Brooks

“I play hard,” Brooks said. “The media gave me the villain role, so I’m just taking it and doing what I need to do with it.”

Ja Morant’s family wore hoodies that said, “Redemption.” But Morant said he just wants a second chance. That began Wednesday at FedExForum against the Houston Rockets. It was a sweet — and emotional — night. 

NBA box score for the Wednesday, March 22 game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets.

After an eight-game suspension and one more on the sideline, Memphis Grizzlies’ superstar Ja Morant dropped in 17 points with five assists in a 130-125 Grizzlies victory that clinched the Southwest division title. 

Related story:

Box score: Grizzlies 130, Rockets 125

Ja Morant may be back — but he’s not exactly himself. Given everything that has happened in his life lately, isn’t that a good thing?

The Grizzlies guard will miss his third game this season due to a suspension. He leads the NBA in technical fouls with 18. 

The superstar guard stepped behind a microphone for the first time since rejoining the Memphis Grizzlies following a suspension for conduct detrimental to the league.

Related story:

Herrington: Morant is set to return, but the Grizzlies weren’t just waiting around

With Ja Morant in the building for the first time since his league suspension, the Grizzlies erased a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Dallas Mavericks. 

Related stories:

Ja Morant’s back, and his teammates show the love

Box score: Grizzlies 112, Mavericks 108

Grizzlies Insider: Memphis not concerned with playoff seeding

NBA box score for the Memphis Grizzlies game against the Dallas Mavericks at FedExForum on Monday, March 20, 2023.

“Finishing strong and staying healthy, those are the main things for us,” Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks said. “We want to have a little momentum going into the playoffs.”

While Ja Morant’s image has taken a hit, experts say a forgiving public when it comes to sports figures gives him plenty of opportunity to change the narrative. 

Related story;

Grizzlies announce that Ja Morant will not play Monday

Morant is eligible to return to the team on Monday, March 20, after serving an eight-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the league, but the team announced that he will not play against the Mavericks.

Dillon Brooks said he plans to call the camera person that he injured with a push during the loss at Miami on Wednesday, March 15. He said the incident was unintentional.