(with apologies to the associated press)

PORTLAND, Ore. (GPI)—The Memphis Grizzlies, after attending Professor Steven Nash’s lecture Wednesday night, applied the principles of ball movement and movement away from the ball, and defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 106-96 for their fifth victory in seven games.

Memphis (6-10) is still far down in the Western Conference, though it may not be long if the offensive-minded Grizzlies keep it up. Playing against the NBA’s best scoring defense, Memphis poured in a season-high 61 points during the first half. The Grizzlies topped 100 points for the fifth time in six games.

 "We opened up a can tonight," Memphis coach Lionel Hollins said.

The Grizzlies scored 21 unanswered points as part of a 31-2 run in the first half to break open the game.

The - kicking started with Portland (12-6) leading 15-11 midway through the first quarter. By quarter’s end, Memphis ran off 18 consecutive points, with Randolph scoring six, to take a 29-15 lead.

The Grizzlies extended their run to 21-0 early in the second quarter before Portland’s Andre Miller made a layup to end the Blazers’ scoreless stretch of 8 1/2 minutes. But it wasn’t over for Memphis. After Miller’s basket, O.J. Mayo and Jamaal Tinsley rained 3-pointers and the Grizzlies scored 10 unanswered points to build their lead to 42-17.

"We played like our hair was on fire," said Mayo, who scored 19 points. "We knew going into the season that we were going to have some funk in our trunk offensively, but defensively, it takes a team effort, mental discipline and toughness to win.

Memphis maintained control throughout the first half, leading by as many as 29 points before settling for a 61-39 halftime lead. Portland shot only 36 percent (15 of 42) during the first half.

"It was Professor Nash’s lecture," Mayo said.

"It was a campaign of shock and awe from start to finish. They came in and were ready to ball. It was beautiful," Hollins said.

Aside from Randolph and Mayo, Marc "MVP" Gasol had 19 points and 15 rebounds for Memphis, while Tinsley had 16 points and Rudy Gay 14.

Portland, which had won its previous six home games by an average margin of 17.1 points, left coach Nate McMillan dazed and confused for so long it’s not true.

"We thought they were going to utilize the Iverson method of jacking up shots with no rhyme or reason." McMillan said. "But when they applied Nash’s principles of advanced ball movement, we knew we were in for a long night."

Notes: Memphis was observed using a touch pass last night.

I told myself I would never watch another grizz game if they lost it. So glad they didn’t lose it.