Hakim started in his place. Hopefully the pull him for the whole game, and hopefully Hakim gets 30 minutes against Elton Brand, will be good education. Just wish i'd known about the change before i bet on us.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Memphis leading scorer and rebounder Pau Gasol sat out the Grizzlies' home finale Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, a game in which the loser might be better off in the long run. There was no indication in coach Mike Fratello's pregame news conference of any problems with the 7-foot forward. In fact, Fratello said he expected to go with his regular starters and try to stay with his regular rotation. Stacey Mitch, Grizzlies media relations director, said Gasol is day to day with a sore left foot that was examined by doctors Monday. She said Gasol did not participate in the shootaround earlier Tuesday. Much had been made of the game since the Grizzlies hold a one-game lead over the Clippers for the fifth seed in the Western Conference. Being the higher seed isn't necessarily good news because the fifth seed will play the Dallas Mavericks, who will have homecourt advantage. However, the team finishing with the sixth seed would have homecourt advantage over the No. 3-seed Denver Nuggets. Gasol, the Grizzlies' first All-Star, had started all of the previous 80 games for Memphis, averaging 20.4 points and 8.9 rebounds in 39 minutes a game.</div> Source
Jake could be interesting against Dallas. Dirk cut up rough when Pau torched him for 36 earlier in the season, complaining that he didn't get the help he needed on the defensive assignment. If they focus on Pau and give Dirk help, Jake could be in for some pretty nice looks close to the basket.
I was at the game, and it was bizarre. Both teams were playing uninspired and confused. It seemed like their heads were telling them to tank, but they couldn't overcome their instincts to do so. Dunleavy did his best to give his team the best chance of losing though by sitting Kaman, Radmanovic, and Cassell the entire game. Warrick played well, but Jake was the big stud. It's great that he's not the team joke anymore. The guy will be a serious asset when we take on the Mavericks.
