Memphis Grizzlies Flourish as Jeff Green Changes Roles

Mar 21, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) reacts during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Portland Trail Blazers 97-86 Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies’ Jeff Green is showing that the team is all-in by taking a step back and requesting to come off the bench.

It was reported before the Memphis Grizzlies’ road game two days ago against the Dallas Mavericks that forward Jeff Green had made a request to Head Coach Dave Joerger to move him to the second unit. Green preferred to come off the bench to be a sparkplug for the Grizzlies’ offense while Tony Allen could insert his defensive presence into the starting lineup.

Since making the rotation change, the Memphis Grizzlies have won both of their games–both versus potential playoff rivals (Dallas and Portland). Green’s request followed Memphis’ 10-point road loss to the Detroit Pistons, which allowed the Pistons to snap their 10-game losing streak. It has been quite the turnaround in a very short amount of time for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Mar 21, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Portland Trail Blazers 97-86 Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The rotation move has not only allowed the Grizzlies to win both games, but in dominating fashion–by a margin of 11 points each. In both games, they saw their leads grow to more than 18 points. Yes, versus such competitive teams as the Mavericks and Trail Blazers.

This is how the Memphis Grizzlies were playing earlier in the season when they darted out of the gates and quickly enjoyed their greatest beginning of a season in the franchise’s history. When Allen was starting games in 2014-15, the Grizzlies almost never lost a game until he was transitioned to being a reserve. For the majority of that span, the Memphis Grizzlies were the NBA’s best record.

Are the Grizzlies of the first half of this season making a return to the headlines? You bet. They are returning to form–and then some. Green has added tremendous depth to the roster since the infamous trade and now that he is finding his niche, Memphis is securing their title hopes.

Mar 16, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Tony Allen (9) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Denver Nuggets 92-81.Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

It has taken Jeff Green some time to get acclimated to a new system–understandable considering he became a member of the team midway through the schedule. Since approaching Coach Joerger, Green has been shooting greater than 48% from the field, including 53.85% from three-point range. Against Portland, Jeff made his first five three-point attempts–all worthy of being showcased on a highlight reel! Green also posted a +/- rating of +15 against the Blazers–exceptional!

Green has had his fire ignited and so has Tony Allen. Over the past two games in which he returned to the starting lineup, the Grindfather has seen his play rise. How much? He has averaged greater than 64% field goal-shooting, nine rebounds, four steals, and 11.5 points per game–including a double-double plus SIX steals on Sunday. While his production has been very impressive, TA even nailed a rare (for him) three-pointer against Portland. He registered a +/- rating of +26 while stifling the Blazers.

Feb 8, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) and forward Jeff Green (32) celebrate at the end of the game as Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) looks on and guard Jeff Teague (0) walks off of the court at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Atlanta 94-88. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies’ usual starting two-guard, Courtney Lee, missed Sunday’s game due to a slight injury. Allen started in his place and so Jeff Green started, too, despite playing off the bench in the previous game. Memphis dominated in all facets in both matchups, even without Lee. The Grizzlies’ championship-caliber basketball right now might solely be related to Tony Allen being a starter. The Grindfather might be influencing the Grizzlies’ more than just Jeff Green accepting a reserve position.

Regardless, Jeff Green can do it all and he showed just that in yesterday’s matchup against Portland. He HAS to play great to give the Grizzlies the upper hand. He is their key to getting over the hurdle and jumping into the NBA Finals.

Starting Tony Allen is the other key determinant for the Memphis Grizzlies. He clearly uplifts his team when he is on the floor at the time of the tip. Coach Joerger must keep Allen in the starting lineup as well as down the stretch in all matchups. He gives the Grizz favorable chances of winning.

This is what Grizz Nation can expect from Jeff Green from now on as he has found his rhythm in the Grizzlies’ offense and rotations.

Go Grizz!

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