Memphis Grizzlies Nearing First Division Title

Mar 23, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Grizzlies defeated the Knicks 103 – 82. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies are on the verge of capturing their first divisional title in team history, but can they seal the deal?

Is this season’s Memphis Grizzlies the best roster the club has ever assembled? The NBA world is very close to receiving an answer to that question.

Never before has a Grizz squad won a divisional title. Memphis, placed in the Southwest Division of the NBA’s Western Conference, has had fierce competition over the years from the legendary San Antonio Spurs, the solid Dallas Mavericks, along with the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans [Ed. note: formerly New Orleans Hornets].

This is Memphis’ year. They have all of the pieces needed to win their first NBA World Championship. They have added the much-needed components that they were without in the past few postseasons.

Nov 5, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11), forward Zach Randolph (50) and center Marc Gasol against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 102-91. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Vince Carter and Jeff Green are two of those components. Zach Randolph‘s continued leadership combined with Marc Gasol‘s emergence as being arguably the NBA’s top center have been two other major factors. The development that Grizz Nation has seen in point guard Mike Conley‘s game is another point of emphasis–he is not nicknamed “Clutch Conley” for just anything!

However, before the postseason begins, the Memphis Grizzlies still have work to do. They are focused on hanging their first divisional title banner in the Grindhouse.

How is that plan looking?

Mar 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) passes the ball during the fourth quarter as Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) defends at Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Rockets 102-100. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Currently, the Grizzlies own a 50-21 record after Monday’s win in New York. That has given them a 2.5-game lead over the Houston Rockets in the league–and division–standings. San Antonio is almost out of the picture for the division title as they have compiled a 44-25 record.

The Memphis Grizzlies have just 11 games remaining on their schedule. The Rockets have played one less game than the Grizz. While some teams may elect to rest starters and other key players in the last few weeks of the regular season, the Grizzlies may need to think twice about doing such a thing. They have a tough stretch coming up which can greatly prepare the Grizzlies for the postseason as well as give them an advantage in the race for the divisional title–assuming they can continue to win games.

Each game is crucial for the Memphis Grizzlies if they want to hold onto their second seed and the opportunity to hang their first divisional title banner. The race heats up when they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday in the Grindhouse–game No. 72 of 82.

Time is running out. Can the Memphis Grizzlies hold on?

Go Grizz!

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