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Memphis Grizzlies Trivia Quiz: 20 Questions to Test Your Fandom
From the rainy streets of Vancouver to the neon lights of Beale Street, the Memphis Grizzlies have evolved into one of the NBA's most resilient and exciting franchises. Whether you remember the "Grit and Grind" era or you're riding the wave of the modern high-flying squad, this 20-question deep-dive will test your knowledge of Grizzlies history, legends, and records.
1. In what year did the Grizzlies franchise officially move from Vancouver to Memphis?
Answer: B) 2001
The Story Behind the Stat: After six seasons in British Columbia, the franchise relocated to Tennessee for the 2001-02 season. The move marked a turning point for the NBA's expansion into the American South. Memphis embraced the team immediately, transitioning from the "Vancouver" moniker while keeping the "Grizzlies" name.
The Story Behind the Stat: After six seasons in British Columbia, the franchise relocated to Tennessee for the 2001-02 season. The move marked a turning point for the NBA's expansion into the American South. Memphis embraced the team immediately, transitioning from the "Vancouver" moniker while keeping the "Grizzlies" name.
2. Who was the first player in Grizzlies franchise history to be named an NBA All-Star?
Answer: C) Pau Gasol
The Story Behind the Stat: Pau Gasol made history in 2006 by becoming the first Grizzly to be selected for the NBA All-Star Game. Gasol was the cornerstone of the early Memphis years, leading the team to its first three playoff appearances. His versatile skill set paved the way for the international big man revolution in the NBA.
The Story Behind the Stat: Pau Gasol made history in 2006 by becoming the first Grizzly to be selected for the NBA All-Star Game. Gasol was the cornerstone of the early Memphis years, leading the team to its first three playoff appearances. His versatile skill set paved the way for the international big man revolution in the NBA.
3. Which Grizzlies player is credited with coining the iconic phrase "Grit and Grind"?
Answer: B) Tony Allen
The Story Behind the Stat: After a victory over the Thunder in 2011, Tony Allen uttered the words "All heart. Grit. Grind." in a post-game interview. The phrase instantly resonated with the blue-collar culture of Memphis. It became the identity of the franchise for nearly a decade, defining a style of play that relied on tough defense and physical intensity.
The Story Behind the Stat: After a victory over the Thunder in 2011, Tony Allen uttered the words "All heart. Grit. Grind." in a post-game interview. The phrase instantly resonated with the blue-collar culture of Memphis. It became the identity of the franchise for nearly a decade, defining a style of play that relied on tough defense and physical intensity.
4. In 2011, the 8th-seeded Grizzlies pulled off a historic first-round upset against which 1st-seeded team?
Answer: A) San Antonio Spurs
The Story Behind the Stat: The 2011 first-round series remains one of the greatest upsets in NBA history. The 8th-seeded Grizzlies defeated the 1st-seeded Spurs in six games, securing the franchise's first-ever playoff series win. This series served as the official birth of the "Grit and Grind" era on the national stage.
The Story Behind the Stat: The 2011 first-round series remains one of the greatest upsets in NBA history. The 8th-seeded Grizzlies defeated the 1st-seeded Spurs in six games, securing the franchise's first-ever playoff series win. This series served as the official birth of the "Grit and Grind" era on the national stage.
5. Who holds the record for the most career points scored in Grizzlies franchise history?
Answer: C) Mike Conley
The Story Behind the Stat: Mike Conley spent 12 seasons in Memphis, amassing 11,733 points. He remains the franchise leader in points, assists, steals, and games played. Conley’s steady leadership and "Captain Clutch" persona made him one of the most beloved figures in Memphis sports history.
The Story Behind the Stat: Mike Conley spent 12 seasons in Memphis, amassing 11,733 points. He remains the franchise leader in points, assists, steals, and games played. Conley’s steady leadership and "Captain Clutch" persona made him one of the most beloved figures in Memphis sports history.
6. Which legendary coach won the NBA Coach of the Year award with Memphis in 2004?
Answer: B) Hubie Brown
The Story Behind the Stat: At age 70, Hubie Brown came out of retirement to lead the Grizzlies to a 50-win season in 2003-04. His "10-man rotation" strategy maximized the roster's depth and earned him the Coach of the Year honors. This season was the first time the Grizzlies reached the postseason since the franchise's inception.
The Story Behind the Stat: At age 70, Hubie Brown came out of retirement to lead the Grizzlies to a 50-win season in 2003-04. His "10-man rotation" strategy maximized the roster's depth and earned him the Coach of the Year honors. This season was the first time the Grizzlies reached the postseason since the franchise's inception.
7. Who was the first player to have his jersey number (#50) officially retired by the Memphis Grizzlies?
Answer: C) Zach Randolph
The Story Behind the Stat: "Z-Bo" had his #50 jersey retired in December 2021, a testament to his impact on the city. Randolph was the emotional heartbeat of the Grit and Grind era, providing the interior scoring and rebounding that defined the team. He is widely credited with helping the city of Memphis find its basketball soul.
The Story Behind the Stat: "Z-Bo" had his #50 jersey retired in December 2021, a testament to his impact on the city. Randolph was the emotional heartbeat of the Grit and Grind era, providing the interior scoring and rebounding that defined the team. He is widely credited with helping the city of Memphis find its basketball soul.
8. Which Grizzlies big man won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013?
Answer: B) Marc Gasol
The Story Behind the Stat: Marc Gasol became the first European player to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013. While he didn't have the highest block numbers, his "defensive quarterbacking" and high basketball IQ anchored the league's most feared defense. That same year, he led the Grizzlies to their first and only Western Conference Finals appearance.
The Story Behind the Stat: Marc Gasol became the first European player to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013. While he didn't have the highest block numbers, his "defensive quarterbacking" and high basketball IQ anchored the league's most feared defense. That same year, he led the Grizzlies to their first and only Western Conference Finals appearance.
9. What was the name of the Grizzlies' first-ever draft pick in 1995 (Vancouver era)?
Answer: A) Bryant Reeves
The Story Behind the Stat: Known as "Big Country," Reeves was the first-ever draft pick for the expansion Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995. The 7-foot center from Oklahoma State was a fan favorite early on but had his career cut short by chronic back injuries. He remains a nostalgic figure for fans of the team's inaugural years.
The Story Behind the Stat: Known as "Big Country," Reeves was the first-ever draft pick for the expansion Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995. The 7-foot center from Oklahoma State was a fan favorite early on but had his career cut short by chronic back injuries. He remains a nostalgic figure for fans of the team's inaugural years.
10. Before moving to the FedExForum in 2004, where did the Grizzlies play their home games in Memphis?
Answer: B) The Pyramid Arena
The Story Behind the Stat: The Grizzlies played their first three seasons in Memphis at the iconic, stainless-steel Pyramid Arena on the banks of the Mississippi River. While visually stunning, the arena lacked the modern amenities of newer NBA venues. The team moved to the state-of-the-art FedExForum in 2004.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Grizzlies played their first three seasons in Memphis at the iconic, stainless-steel Pyramid Arena on the banks of the Mississippi River. While visually stunning, the arena lacked the modern amenities of newer NBA venues. The team moved to the state-of-the-art FedExForum in 2004.
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Shop Grizzlies Gear on Amazon11. Ja Morant was selected with the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Who was taken 1st overall that year?
Answer: B) Zion Williamson
The Story Behind the Stat: The 2019 NBA Draft was a franchise-altering night for Memphis, as they landed the #2 pick despite having long odds. While Zion Williamson went #1 to New Orleans, the Grizzlies landed Ja Morant, who quickly became the face of the "GrznxtGen." Morant’s arrival accelerated the team's rebuild by several years.
The Story Behind the Stat: The 2019 NBA Draft was a franchise-altering night for Memphis, as they landed the #2 pick despite having long odds. While Zion Williamson went #1 to New Orleans, the Grizzlies landed Ja Morant, who quickly became the face of the "GrznxtGen." Morant’s arrival accelerated the team's rebuild by several years.
12. Who is the Grizzlies' all-time leader in career assists?
Answer: B) Mike Conley
The Story Behind the Stat: Conley’s longevity and consistency allowed him to rack up 4,509 assists during his tenure in Memphis. His ability to take care of the ball and facilitate for teammates like Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph was the engine of the offense. He currently holds a significant lead over second-place Marc Gasol in this category.
The Story Behind the Stat: Conley’s longevity and consistency allowed him to rack up 4,509 assists during his tenure in Memphis. His ability to take care of the ball and facilitate for teammates like Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph was the engine of the offense. He currently holds a significant lead over second-place Marc Gasol in this category.
13. In 2023, which Grizzlies player became the second in franchise history to win Defensive Player of the Year?
Answer: C) Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Story Behind the Stat: "Triple J" earned the DPOY award in 2023 after leading the league in blocks per game (3.0). His ability to switch onto guards and protect the rim simultaneously made him the premier modern defender. He joined Marc Gasol as the only two Grizzlies to ever win the prestigious award.
The Story Behind the Stat: "Triple J" earned the DPOY award in 2023 after leading the league in blocks per game (3.0). His ability to switch onto guards and protect the rim simultaneously made him the premier modern defender. He joined Marc Gasol as the only two Grizzlies to ever win the prestigious award.
14. Which player holds the Grizzlies' single-game scoring record with 52 points?
Answer: A) Ja Morant
The Story Behind the Stat: On February 28, 2022, Ja Morant dropped 52 points against the San Antonio Spurs, breaking his own franchise record set just days prior. The performance included a viral buzzer-beating alley-oop and a thunderous dunk over Jakob Poeltl. It remains the highest-scoring individual performance in Grizzlies history.
The Story Behind the Stat: On February 28, 2022, Ja Morant dropped 52 points against the San Antonio Spurs, breaking his own franchise record set just days prior. The performance included a viral buzzer-beating alley-oop and a thunderous dunk over Jakob Poeltl. It remains the highest-scoring individual performance in Grizzlies history.
15. Who was the first Grizzlies player to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award?
Answer: B) Pau Gasol
The Story Behind the Stat: Pau Gasol won the Rookie of the Year award in 2002 after an incredible debut season where he averaged 17.6 points and 8.9 rebounds. He was the first international player to win the award without having played college basketball in the U.S. Ja Morant would later become the second Grizzly to win the award in 2020.
The Story Behind the Stat: Pau Gasol won the Rookie of the Year award in 2002 after an incredible debut season where he averaged 17.6 points and 8.9 rebounds. He was the first international player to win the award without having played college basketball in the U.S. Ja Morant would later become the second Grizzly to win the award in 2020.
16. What is the nickname of the "Core Four" group that defined the Grit and Grind era?
Answer: C) The Core Four
The Story Behind the Stat: The "Core Four" refers to Mike Conley, Tony Allen, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol. This quartet played together for seven consecutive playoff seasons, creating a sustained era of excellence rarely seen in small-market franchises. All four players have had or are scheduled to have their jerseys retired by the team.
The Story Behind the Stat: The "Core Four" refers to Mike Conley, Tony Allen, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol. This quartet played together for seven consecutive playoff seasons, creating a sustained era of excellence rarely seen in small-market franchises. All four players have had or are scheduled to have their jerseys retired by the team.
17. Which Grizzlies player won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2006?
Answer: A) Mike Miller
The Story Behind the Stat: Mike Miller was a sharpshooting specialist who provided a spark off the bench during the mid-2000s. In the 2005-06 season, he averaged 13.7 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting over 40% from three. He remains one of the best perimeter shooters to ever wear a Grizzlies uniform.
The Story Behind the Stat: Mike Miller was a sharpshooting specialist who provided a spark off the bench during the mid-2000s. In the 2005-06 season, he averaged 13.7 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting over 40% from three. He remains one of the best perimeter shooters to ever wear a Grizzlies uniform.
18. Against which team did the Grizzlies record the largest margin of victory in NBA history (73 points) in 2021?
Answer: B) Oklahoma City Thunder
The Story Behind the Stat: On December 2, 2021, the Grizzlies defeated the Thunder 152-79. The 73-point margin of victory broke a 30-year-old NBA record previously held by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Remarkably, the Grizzlies achieved this historic feat without their superstar Ja Morant, who was out with an injury.
The Story Behind the Stat: On December 2, 2021, the Grizzlies defeated the Thunder 152-79. The 73-point margin of victory broke a 30-year-old NBA record previously held by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Remarkably, the Grizzlies achieved this historic feat without their superstar Ja Morant, who was out with an injury.
19. Who is the winningest head coach in Grizzlies franchise history?
Answer: C) Lionel Hollins
The Story Behind the Stat: Lionel Hollins coached the Grizzlies to 214 wins across multiple stints, including the legendary 2013 run to the Western Conference Finals. His defensive-minded approach was the perfect match for the Grit and Grind roster. Taylor Jenkins is currently chasing this record as the leader of the new era.
The Story Behind the Stat: Lionel Hollins coached the Grizzlies to 214 wins across multiple stints, including the legendary 2013 run to the Western Conference Finals. His defensive-minded approach was the perfect match for the Grit and Grind roster. Taylor Jenkins is currently chasing this record as the leader of the new era.
20. Which Grizzlies legend is the franchise's all-time leader in rebounds and blocks?
Answer: C) Marc Gasol
The Story Behind the Stat: Marc Gasol left Memphis as the franchise leader in rebounds (5,942) and blocks (1,135). His defensive dominance and elite passing from the high post made him one of the most unique centers of his generation. Gasol’s #33 jersey was retired in 2024, cementing his legacy as "Big Spain."
The Story Behind the Stat: Marc Gasol left Memphis as the franchise leader in rebounds (5,942) and blocks (1,135). His defensive dominance and elite passing from the high post made him one of the most unique centers of his generation. Gasol’s #33 jersey was retired in 2024, cementing his legacy as "Big Spain."
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