Needing a lift following a depressing, one-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers the night before, the Memphis Grizzlies got what they were looking for in a 99-94 victory over the Washington Wizards in the Verizon Center on Wednesday night.

When asked what it was that pushed the Grizzlies to this victory: “The key was our bench,” Griz center Marc Gasol said. “The bench deserves a lot of credit for this one.”

This win solidifies what I have always believed; without a firm support system, you are almost destined to either hit a snag in the road or fail. This is true in many, many situations. Whether it’s a relationship that you’re in, or it’s a business deal that you’re trying to conduct; you can’t do everything alone.

The bench support that the Grizzlies gained also helps them to play more as a team. Though they may not have had a great season, they are building strong foundations to secure more wins in the futures.

Tip-ins: Memphis has won its last three road games. The Grizzlies have won their last four against the Wizards, sweeping the series for the second straight season. … Hollins improved to 5-0 all-time in games he’s coached against the Wizards. … Washington newcomer Josh Howard didn’t play and will miss the rest of the season with a torn left anterior cruciate ligament.

How do you feel about the Grizzlies this season?