Shane Battier played exactly like the Grizzlies hoped he could play when they picked him with the sixth pick in the draft, according to Jeff Calkins in the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

He took guys off the dribble. He dropped in threes. He showed a couple neat post moves, dived on the floor, swatted away shots and generally played the best game of his young pro life.

Why do we tell you so much about Battier after another dreary night for the home lads?

Because this is life with the Grizzlies, life with the youngest, losingest team in the league. There are no actual victories, just little ones. There are no happy endings, just happy moments along the way.

But look at the bright side. Team officials said the Grizzlies would struggle this year. Now we know they're true to their word.

And while it's nice that Jimmy Jackson is coming in to get a physical this morning, that's not the way out of this. The way out is to play the kids. The way out is to let them take some lumps and hope they learn enough to, some day, lump back.