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Absences Completely Kill Memphis Grizzlies’ Chances

By Christian Dudley

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Feb 10, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Tony Allen (9) high fives Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) against the Brooklyn Nets at FedExForum. The Grizzlies won 95 -86. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies are a true contending team in the NBA, but an absence in the postseason by any rotation player could be devastating for their title hopes.

The Grizzlies are one of the NBA’s top teams this season. They have seven games remaining on their regular season schedule, yet they have already accomplished the 50-win milestone while amounting just 24 losses to date. It has been a fantastic year without a doubt and the best may be yet to come.

No team has a better or more dominant frontcourt than the Memphis Grizzlies. Power forward Zach Randolph and center Marc Gasol are two bullies in the paint that make opposing teams cringe when they see them on their calendars. The two big men are the epitome of the “grit-‘n’-grind” style of play that Grizz Nation has become to know all so well.

Mar 16, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and forward Zach Randolph (50) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Denver Nuggets 92-81.Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

That phrase–grit-‘n’-grind–was founded by another key component of the Grizzly squad. That would be Tony Allen. The Grindfather. He is typically a lock for the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team with his tenacious defense. He can shut down nearly any scoring guard or forward.

But that is not all.

Memphis also owns perhaps the most underrated point guard–Mike Conley. He has reached an elite level of play this season on the offensive end. No other point in the NBA can control the tempo of a game by command such as Conley does. It is incredible. He also displays stellar defense and can pickpocket the best of them, such as the Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul.

The Memphis Grizzlies have so many weapons. It makes other clubs jealous. Teams wish they could have as strong as a frontcourt as the Grizz. They also dream of playing solid defense like the Grizzlies.

Mar 21, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) reacts during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

There is something special about this Memphis team–more than in the past, too.

The Memphis Grizzlies notched the Western Conference Finals mark in the 2012-13 season, but were swept by their archrival–the San Antonio Spurs–in that series.

This team has all of the makings of surpassing that mark and making history once again. Not just earning a trip to the NBA Finals, but becoming NBA World Champions.

What may be the biggest determining factor that could possibly hold them from reaching their goal? It may be themselves.

In the majority of the games lost by the Memphis Grizzlies this season, there has been one major coincidence. Injuries and other absences. Let Beale Street Bears examine the stats.

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From the above table, it can be seen that Z-Bo and the Grindfather have missed more than a handful of games this season that have resulted in the Memphis Grizzlies taking losses. On the road and at home, against other contending teams and sometimes against bad teams, it is a relevant topic to discuss for the Grizzlies as they move toward the postseason.

The Grizzlies must remain intact.

Without one starter or one key contributor–even if it is Vince Carter in a bench role–Memphis may struggle significantly in the NBA Playoffs, regardless of whom they are paired in a series.

May 25, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Tony Allen (9) Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley (11) Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph (50) take a walk off the court in game three of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at FedEx Forum. San Antonio Spurs defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 104-93, and lead the series 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

If this season’s squad can sustain their health, the sky is the limit. They could truly be the favorites for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

One thing is for sure, though.

At the beginning of the 2015 NBA Playoffs, there will be no opponent that wishes to face the Memphis Grizzlies. No matter who puts on a Grizz jersey and steps on the court, everybody is fearing the grizzly bears from Beale Street.

Teamwork, continuity, and defense will take control. This is Memphis. We grind here.

Go Grizz!

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