<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">When the Grizzlies reconvened after the all-star break and began a road trip that seemed nondescript at first glance, they were intent on destroying a popular belief. Just show up, collect a paycheck and check off the remaining games with every passing day as though the conclusion of the regular season would equate to the end of a prison sentence. Instead of sitting quietly, the Griz began a quiet mission. They knew Golden State needed a win to remain playoff relevant and pushed that game into overtime. A funny thing happened to Portland as it began to talk postseason. The Griz beat the Blazers and that proved to be a serious hiccup. Memphis' desire to make waves followed in two of its next three games against teams making postseason bids. The Griz threatened Denver before losing a close one. Just last Saturday, the Griz made Detroit sweat until the game's waning moments. There is no shame in trying to play the role of spoiler. "That's what you have to do to motivate yourself right now," guard Damon Stoudamire said. "I've only been in this situation a couple of times in my career. But that's the position this team is in. "We have to try to play spoiler because obviously teams come in and they know playing against us -- record-wise -- makes it a game they have to get. This can be a situation where they look back at the end of the year and say 'Dang, if we got that game against Memphis ...' It's kind of fun. We should all go out there and play loose." Beginning Wednesday at Toronto, nine of the next 11 games the Grizzlies play will feature opponents with playoff aspirations and an eye on seeding. Toronto falls into the fourth slot in the Eastern Conference postseason standings despite sitting atop the Atlantic Division. </div> Source
