 Memphis' Stromile Swift scored 16 points, but the Grizzlies dropped their Memphis opener. Glenn James NBAE/Getty Images 56k | 300k |
After six seasons in Vancouver that did not produce much in the way of victories or revenues, owner Michael Heisley received approval from the NBA's Board of Governors to move the team to Memphis, which hosted an ABA franchise in the 1970s. It was the first NBA franchise shift in 16 years.
The Grizzlies were the last of 29 teams to open their season and their was plenty of pomp and circumstance. Commissioner David Stern got things going by welcoming the sellout crowd of 19,405 at The Pyramid.
"I thought it was great," Stackhouse said. "They've got knowledgable fans. I'm sorry we can only come down here one time."
Grizzlies starting center and native son Lorenzen Wright asked the crowd for support, saying, "We want you guys to be the best fans in the NBA."
Musician Isaac Hayes performed "America The Beautiful" and 'N Sync member Justin Timberlake -- another local -- sang the national anthem.
The Grizzlies carried the momentum to a 48-36 lead early in the second half, but the Pistons rallied to take a 61-60 lead into the fourth quarter before turning the game over to Stackhouse.
"I found some daylight in the end," Stackhouse said.
Stackhouse scored 13 of Detroit's last 15 points. Stromile Swift's jumper pulled Memphis within 75-72 with 5:37 to play and neither team scored for two minutes until Stackhouse buried a jumper.
Wright threw in a scoop shot, but Stackhouse answered with two jumpers for an 81-74 lead with 2:27 remaining. Swift hit two free throws and Michael Dickerson made a jumper, but Stackhouse sealed it with a 3-pointer at the 1:05 mark and two foul shots 38 seconds later.
"This was a hard road game for us, but it was great to win," said Pistons coach Rick Carlisle, who recorded his first win. "My first win on the road in such a difficult building was a great accomplishment."
Carlisle was among those impressed by the turnout in the NBA's newest city.
"This town is ready for the NBA," he said. "This franchise is in a great situation. I like the energy from the fans tonight. The Pyramid is a great place to play."
Clifford Robinson scored 24 points and Ben Wallace grabbed 12 rebounds for the Pistons, who improved to 8-3 all-time against the Grizzlies.
"I think our team played tough in the second half," Carlisle said. "Cliff Robinson made some really good offensive and defensive plays for the team."
Wright had 17 points and 13 rebounds and Swift added 16 and 10 for the Grizzlies, who never won more than 23 games while in Vancouver.
"I don't think I ever wanted to win a game as much I wanted to win this game. It hurts a lot," Wright said. "I feel like we let the fans down. They were great tonight."
The crowd support helped Memphis jump out to a 43-36 halftime lead. Swift opened the third quarter with a jumper and three free throws, giving the Grizzlies their largest lead.
Robinson answered with a 3-pointer that triggered a 16-4 run. A layup by Stackhouse tied it, 52-52, at the 5:14 mark.
Dickerson scored 15 points for Memphis, which shot just 37 percent (28-of-76) and committed 25 turnovers.