The Memphis Grizzlies are 7-4 through 11 games this NBA season, much improved from the 2-9 start the team stumbled into this time last season. The injury bug hasn't slowed down for this year's team but they have been better equipped to handle the roster turnover of players being available after providing better depth options.
Also, a new offensive system implemented by assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo has the team clicking on all cylinders with the constant movements and passing by the team which has them second in the NBA in assists per game. Furthermore, the Grizzlies are third in points per game and field goal percentage but this one stat has the team back in contender status.
Points in the Paint
The Grizzlies offense is operating on a different level this season
— Bryson Wright (@BrysonWright3) November 11, 2024
60.5 Paint PPG (1st)
30.4 APG (2nd)
120.9 PPG (3rd)
49% FG (3rd)
116.3 Off. Rating (6th)
Getting back to their paint scoring identity, the addition of Tuomas Iisalo and a new offensive system is working pic.twitter.com/4wA5sbiqmc
The Grizzlies are number one in the NBA in points in the paint per game, averaging 60.5 through their 11 games played this season. Since Ja Morant entered the league in 2019, the Grizzlies led the NBA in this category every season except last season when he only played nine games.
Add in the fact the Grizzlies were not only missing Morant but former starting center Steven Adams and top reserve Brandon Clarke, the team took an expected drop in the paint points dominance. The importance of Ja Morant and other competent bigs can't be overstated as the Grizzlies fell from first in the league for four straight seasons to dead last in the league in paint points last season.
This stat is one that has defined this "Grz Nxt Gen" era as the team has depended on offensive rebounds from their bigs and one of the best guards in the NBA scoring at the rim to exert their dominance in the paint. Adding Zach Edey and welcoming Brandon Clarke and Ja Morant back has been a godsend for the team returning to what it knows best.
The Grizzlies' new offensive style that pushes pace has helped get them back to their roots as well. The team is pushing the pace after both missed and made baskets by the opposing team and allowing nearly anyone who's on the court to bring the ball up the court in their transition opportunities.
Some of the cut + fill and backdoor cuts from the Memphis Grizzlies first half against Portland's aggressive on-ball defence pic.twitter.com/UM3Zte9qlR
— Adam Pike (@GrizzliesFilm) November 11, 2024
Their halfcourt sets consist of constant movement and cuts from players without the basketball that keep the defense off balance and create lanes to the basket. Jaren Jackson Jr. has especially been effective with this style as his game has flourished this season after adding more skills to his game last season.
The Grizzlies are back to being the Memphis Grizzlies that the league has known them to be in this new era and no matter who's available, the show has and will continue to go on.