1995–96 Vancouver Grizzlies season

NBA season
team = Vancouver Grizzlies
misc = Inaugural season
end_year = 1996
wins = 15
losses = 67
division = Midwest
division_place = 7
conf_place = 14
coach = Brian Winters
arena = General Motors Place
owners = Arthur Griffiths
television =
radio =
playoffs = Did not qualify
bbr_team = VAN
no_prevseason = 1

The Vancouver Grizzlies along with the Toronto Raptors became expansion NBA franchises in 1995. They were the first NBA teams to play in Canada since 1946–47's Toronto Huskies. The Grizzlies got off to a solid start stunning the Portland Trail Blazers on the road 92–80 on November 3. Two nights later the Grizzlies had a successful home debut at General Motors Place by beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 100-98. Despite the start, the Grizzlies lost their next 19 games, as they finished in last place in the Midwestern Division with an NBA-worst record of 15 wins and 67 losses. Only four Grizzlies averaged 10 points per game, as Greg Anthony led the way with 14.0 points per game. In games against the other Canadian expansion team, the Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors split two games. [ [http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/vancouver/vangriz.html Vancouver Grizzlies (1995-2001) ] ]

Offseason

NBA Expansion Draft

NBA Draft

The Grizzlies' first ever draft pick was Bryant Reeves.

The First Game

* On November 3, 1995, Vancouver played their first ever game in Portland against the Trail Blazers and beat the Blazers by a score of 92-80

Regular season

Although they won their first two games in franchise history, the Grizzlies finished with the worst win/loss record in the 1995-96 NBA season, as is typical for an expansion team, and lost 23 straight games from February to April (setting an NBA single-season record now shared with the Denver Nuggets; the overall record of 24 is still held by the Cleveland Cavaliers).

Highs

Lows

* December 10, 1995, The Vancouver Grizzlies play the Toronto Raptors for the first time. The game is held at General Motors Place in Vancouver. The Raptors win the game by a score of 93-81.

eason standings

Player stats

"Note: GP= Games played; MIN= Minutes; STL= Steals; REB = Rebounds; AST. = Assists; BLK = Blocks; PTS = Points"

Franchise Firsts

On opening night, the Grizzlies would spoil the Portland Trail Blazers debut at the Rose Garden Arena by defeating them. A few nights later, the Grizzlies would play their first home game, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves at the buzzer.

Award Winners

* Bryant Reeves, Second Team, NBA All-Rookie Team

References

* [http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?yr=1995&tm=Van&lg=N Grizzlies on Database Basketball]
* [http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/VAN/1996.html Grizzlies on Basketball Reference]
* [http://www.sportsstats.com/jazzyj/drafts/1995exp.htm Expansion Draft Details]