Into the Bears’ Den: Memphis Grizzlies midseason review
Biggest storyline
Parker Fleming: The excellence of Fizdale.
Fizdale has led the Grizzlies over the Warriors TWICE, the Rockets, Jazz twice and the Clippers (don’t count the Cavs, that wasn’t them. That was their JV team). Oh, some of those games have been without 2 of their key players. Fizdale has done a superb job of utilizing his talent and maximizing production. He’s made a strong case for a spot in the “Coach of the Year” race.
Blake Meyer: The Dominance of Mike Conley
After signing his 5-year, $153 million contract, becoming the highest paid player in NBA history, many questioned if Conley was really worth the money. Broken back and all, Conley has responded by having the best season of his career. He’s averaging 18.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.0 assists, well above his career averages of 13.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists. Not only that, he is having the best shooting year of his career as well, averaging career-highs in three-pointers made per game (2.3) and 3P% (.412). Conley, obviously, feels he has something to prove, and I’m excited to see how high his ceiling goes.
Taylor Buckley: Marc Gasol’s three-point shot.
Whoever told you that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” was wrong. Marc Gasol is living proof of that. Coming into this season, Gasol had only made a handful of three-point shots. Now, it’s a legit part of his arsenal. We’ve all witnessed the greatness of his new-found shot. It played a large part in the defeats of the L.A. Clippers and the Golden State Warriors, and it will continue to haunt opposing teams all the way through the playoffs.
Ryan Schmitz: Undefeated vs. Golden State
Coach Fizdale’s excellent work and the growth of relatively unknown and young players are great storylines. However, the national attention from both of those wins against Golden State is bigger than any other story. Plus, can we talk about how one game the Grizzlies blew them out and came back from down 20 in the fourth quarter in the other? Let’s not forget this was against the team with the best record in the NBA and four All-NBA talents (two being MVPs).
Jackson Munyon: Inconsistency
Most people would think a consistent pattern in our play would emerge, but it hasn’t yet. How can a team come back from twenty-four down against the most star-studded team in NBA history to win and then lose to a mediocre OKC team? I don’t understand, but I suppose that’s what makes sports so great. Hopefully, this team will develop consistency by the time the postseason rolls around, because I truly believe they can do some damage.