Following in the footsteps of Phoenix and Miami, two other surprise winners this season, the Memphis Grizzles have announced a plan to increase season ticket prices in 2005-06 in the FedExForum, credited as one of the nicest arenas in the NBA.

The Grizzlies' average ticket price of slightly more than $50 next season would still keep the Griz below the league average, according to Mike Golub, executive vice president of business operations.

"This has always been our hardest decision -- how to price," Golub said. "All along, we've wanted to create affordability."

The Griz will, however, still offer 500 $5 Sonic Saver seats on game days.

Kevin McHale has stressed that he will not be the long-term answer as head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and other than the pipe dream of Phil Jackson being thrown out, Eric Musselman appears to be a leading candidate.

Musselman helped turnaround the Warriors, nearly taking them to the playoffs for the first time in a decade.

Musselman was an assistant in Minnesota under his father Bill Musselman.

The Grizzlies 7-foot star was not among the reserves chosen by coaches Tuesday to fill out the all-star rosters.  

"I thought Pau had a chance," Fratello said. "I don't know how much the injury affected the (coaches') decisions. It's nice that he got some kind of consideration."

Gasol?s biggest problem is that he is listed as a power forward, a position that is already fierce with competition.  However, with the Grizzlies have a surprisingly winning season, it would be nice to see some Memphis representation at this years event.

Steve Nash was ejected for the first time in his career after arguing with 3:05 left and the Grizzlies leading 100-92.

Nash screamed at referee Jack Nies after his shot was blocked by Stromile Swift. Nash was given a technical and then ejected after he continued his tirade.

``I told (Nies): 'That's a foul' with an expletive, then comma: 'What the expletive is going on out here,''' Nash said. ``I didn't have time, I thought, to get two technicals. I was in the middle of my first sentence, and he had already given me two. It was pretty quick on the trigger.''