The Grizzlies Out To Show That Their Big 3 is a Proven Finals Recipe
By Blake Meyer
Not only do the Grizzlies have a “Big 3” of their own, they’ve taken the Spurs championship approach in deploying it.
When you think “Big 3”, what comes to mind?
Cleveland?
Miami?
Boston?
Well, how about Memphis? With Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Zach Randolph, the Grizzlies have a legitimate trio. One key thing that separates the Grizzlies trio from others is Coach Fizz has moved 1/3 of it to the bench.
After starting every season he’s been with the team, Zach Randolph has found new life on the bench. The Sixth Man of the Year candidate has not only found success in his new role, but he’s actually having arguably the best statistical year of his career.
This year in 24 minutes per game, Randolph is averaging 14.2 points and 8.3 rebounds. If you look at his per-36 minute numbers he’s averaging 20.9 points and 12.2 rebounds. Those combine to make this one of the best years of his career.
The Big 3:
After years of being overlooked by majority of the NBA (except the Clippers, who have nightmares of them), the Grizzlies’ three-headed monster has put up statistics that place them among the elite.
I’ve come up with four simple “qualifiers” in determining which teams have a legitimate Big 3. Those qualifiers are:
- Averaging at least 19 points per game (Conley and Gasol)
- 15/5/5
- At least 14 points and eight rebounds or assists (Zach Randolph)
- Averaging a double-double
Taking those in to account there are only seven teams in the NBA that fit this category. Cleveland, Golden State, the Clippers, Minnesota, Toronto, Washington and the Memphis Grizzlies.
With Gasol averaging 20.9 points, Conley at 19 points and Randolph at 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench, Memphis has a solid core that most of the NBA can only dream about.
Now that JaMychal Green has taken over the starting role, Randolph has the ability to keep himself well-rested. A rested Randolph is a happy Randolph.
The defensive-minded Green also gives Randolph the ability to focus on his offensive game. His scoring ability has become quite impressive over the years. I mean, seriously, is there anything more fun to watch than Randolph face up his defender from 15 feet, hit them with a little jab step, pull up and drain it like he was all alone at practice? Nope.
The explosiveness he brings off the bench, Gasol’s newly found touch from beyond the arc and Conley’s incredible confidence in his shot makes this team so dangerous.
Through 54 games this year, the Grizzlies are an impressive +288 with the Big 3 on the court.
The Championship Formula:
Here is where things get fun. Call me crazy, but hear me out before you do.
Since this whole “Big 3” era became a thing, there are only two other teams that have used one of the players in a sixth man role. The San Antonio Spurs had Duncan and Parker starting, while Ginobli came off the bench. The Oklahoma City Thunder had Westbrook and Durant starting with Harden as the sixth man.
Both of these squads have something in common:
They made it to the NBA Finals.
Memphis Grizzlies
Now, I’m not saying that what the Grizzlies are doing is a free ride straight to the finals. However, I would say that Coach Fizz has created a monster that’s has the potential to be an unstoppable force in the playoffs.
With the Big 3 in place, the elite defense of Tony Allen and Green and the versatility of Chandler Parsons (when healthy) make this team a matchup nightmare for anybody.
I’m talking to you, Golden State.
Don’t be surprised if Memphis finds a way to ride this squad all the way to The Finals. Because of the way Coach Fizdale has this team set up, nobody is beating them easily in seven games.