Memphis guard Chucky Atkins is one of several veteran players challenging teammates to keep fighting despite their league-worst 16-49 record.

Truth is, no team feels sorry for the Griz. And no team that cares about playoff seeding or a possible berth wants to look back on Memphis as a "bad" loss.

"This is the NBA. No Babies Allowed," Atkins said. "If a team gets a chance to embarrass you, they'll embarrass you. I know if I get the chance I'm going to embarrass your (butt)."

"Those teams trying to get into the playoffs are fighting. There's no easy game whether we're going to the playoffs or not. If we don't go out there and compete and play like we want to win, then we'll get embarrassed. I'm not trying to get embarrassed."

"I don't know if it's because we're young, or guys are giving up or guys are ready for the season to end. For me, I don't care if we play 100 more games or 10 more games, I'm going to give it my all. That's all I know how to do."

Asked about a quick fix, Atkins remained blunt.

"We," he said, "just have to grow up."