Jordan named MVP, as East wins in New York - East 91, West 83
All-Star game in New York: spectacular as always?! Wait.. not really. The fans saw some poor offense and good defense, mixing for one of the lowest total points amount in NBA All-Star game history. A new trend? We will see next year.. there's still some notes worth to mention:
Grizzlies-star Shareef Abdur-Rahim had his All-Star debut and played as a starter instead of Tim Duncan, who is day-to-day since his 29 points and MVP-performance in the Rookie-Sophomore's match two days ago! Abdur-Rahim ended up as Team West's second-best scorer, notching 11 points.. MVP-contender Mitch Richmond led the West with 16 points, as this two were the only West players in double figures..
"Give it to Michael and get out of the way," explained Larry Bird, the Eastern Conference coach, of his team's strategy. "That is the way it usually happens." And so it happened tonight: Michael Jordan had 22 points, 8 rebounds and was named the game's MVP, his 3rd All-Star game MVP-award.. East teammate Chris Webber had 20 points, 11 rebounds, while Antoine Walker had 11 points in his All-Star debut.
February 1998 - Results Grizzlies record: 13-45
5 wins for the Grizzlies in February, the team's best month this season. A surprising win against the league-leading Pacers was the the team's highlight, while Shareef Abdur-Rahim made his first appearance in the All Star-Game.. the goal of reaching 18 wins is within reach for Vancouver, especially as some other franchises may prepare for both playoffs or lottery picks.
February Part #3: Some impressions
Abdur-Rahim helped the Grizzlies beat the Rockets two times within 17 days: 32 points in first, 42 points in second match-up for Vancouver's first All-Star ever! He once again proved his strength and scoring abilities.. Bryant Reeves had two double-doubles (15/10 and 19/11) and Sam Mack scored 20+ in both nights (25 and 21)..
Jeff Hornacek led the Jazz past the Grizzlies (once again): the shooting guard had 26 points, while Howard Eisley (19) and Karl Malone (17) were in double figures, too.. Vancouver's best were Abdur-Rahim (19 pts while shooting 5-15 FG) and Reeves (17 pts, 4 blocks).
Even though Stephon Marbury had 28 pts and 11 assists, the Grizzlies managed to win against Minnesota, 104-94.. it seems like Vancouver is improving their defense with every game played..
Daugherty's out for 8 weeks - Vancouver signs center Marc Jackson
Brad Daugherty, the five-time All-Star center (aged 32), will be out for 8 weeks with a broken jaw. It's his second serious injury this season and the question is, if he still feels comfortable with his comeback (from retirement because of back-injuries). Daugherty did a good job as Bryant Reeves' back-up, scoring 9ppg and leading the young Grizzlies-bench. Anyway, it's unlikely that he will return to play for Vancouver, as this season is nearing it's end and his contract expiring. "It's a tragedy", said teammate Bryant Reeves: "He came back from retirement. He wanted to help us young guys and gave us so much. I hope he will stay with us, but this injury is a huge setback".
The Grizzlies were left without a back-up center, so they signed 23 years old Marc Jackson (the 3rd Jackson on Grizzlies-roster with Bobby and Stephen). After attending college at Temple University, Marc Jackson was drafted in the second round (37th overall) of the 1997 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, but didn't play with them and became a free agent a few weeks ago.
He signed a contract for the remainder of the season, but Vancouver holds a team-option on his 473,000$ contract.
March 1998 - Results Grizzlies record: 18-54
Remember this year's goal for the Grizzlies? 17+ wins. Otherwise Vancouver would have set a new record for the worst 4 consecutive seasons (set by Dallas in early 90's). And with the last game in March, the Grizzlies got their 18th win in 1997-98, with another win against the Houston Rockets (28-44).. 5 wins for Vancouver in March, it seems like the team found a way to compete with the league. Still, the Grizzlies retain the NBA's 30th place this season and it's all about hoping for the NBA draft, right?!
March Part #1: Some impressions
Mitch Richmond scored 36 points (11-21 FG's) in the Kings' close 104-103 win over Vancouver.. Shareef Abdur-Rahim (26 points) and Bryant Reeves (17) were the only Grizzlies in double figures.
Shawn Kemp dominated the boards (37 points, 9 reb) in Cleveland's 110-106 win against Vancouver, who missed their chance for the 18th win this year.. Vancouver's best were Abdur-Rahim (24 pts while shooting poor 7-23 FG), Reeves (21 pts) and new back-up center Marc Jackson, who had 9 pts in 14 minutes.
And finally the Grizzlies got their win #18! Abdur-Rahim led Vancouver past the Rockets, scoring 33 pts (11-19 FG's). Reeves (12 pts, 8 reb), Mack (16 pts) and John Rillie (10 pts in 13 minutes) were in double figures as well, while Bobby Jackson (picture) had 7 dishes...
NBA Standings - 1997/98 Vancouver Grizzlies - Player's stats
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