Memphis Grizzlies Opposing Views: Dallas Mavericks
The Memphis Grizzlies have a tough battle in the ultra-competitive Southwest Division. How should they fare against the Dallas Mavericks?
The Southwest Division is always one of the best divisions in basketball. The San Antonio Spurs are always brilliant as superstars Tim Duncan and now Kawhi Leonard have led the charge for the past two decades. Houston always has an explosive offense, especially now with Chris Paul joining James Harden. For the past seven years, the Memphis Grizzlies claw into the playoffs and serve as the Western Conference’s “dark horse” contender. The Pelicans have a young, compelling big man duo with DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis. Between Rick Carlise’s wizardry and Dirk’s greatness, the Mavericks have been a great team since the 2000’s.
As Dirk’s career comes to a close, the Mavericks have formed a promising young core. Harrison Barnes proved his naysayers wrong and has thrived away from Golden State as he’s transformed into a legitimate go-to scorer. Seth Curry has become a solid starting shooting guard, showing that he’s more than “Steph’s little bro.” If they can keep Nerlens Noel, they have a young big man who could finally fill the Tyson Chandler-sized hole on this team. Then, they were graced with a dynamic, young point guard in Dennis Smith Jr., a player who can carry the torch once Dirk hangs it up.
The Memphis Grizzlies will have their hands full, as usual, but beating the Mavericks won’t be impossible. In what areas could the Grizzlies thrive? Where could the Mavericks expose the Grizzlies?
Projected Starting 5:
PG- Dennis Smith Jr.
SG- Seth Curry
SF- Harrison Barnes
PF- Dirk Nowitzki
C- Nerlens Noel (restricted FA)
Sixth Man: Wes Matthews
Where the Grizzlies could beat them
- Tyreke Evans
Not many teams will have the tools off the bench to stop Tyreke Evans. While Wes Matthews is a solid defender, he’s certainly lost a step. Besides him, there aren’t many players on the Mavericks who can stop Evans. If he can generate some offense off the bench, the Grizzlies have a good chance to take this matchup.
- Stopping Harrison Barnes
Last season, Barnes shot a putrid 35.7 percent from the field, mainly because of JaMychal Green’s defense. The Grizzlies showed that it’s indeed possible to stop this dynamic isolation scorer. If they can contain Barnes, he’ll become a non-factor, forcing the Mavs to look for other scoring options.
Where the Grizzlies can struggle
- Microwave Scorers
It seems like the Mavericks always have someone who can just get hot. Jason Terry was that guy for years in their title-contending days. J.J. Barea can always get going. Dirk is one of the best scorers of all time. Now, the trend of microwave scorers continues.
Both Seth Curry and Wes Matthews can catch fire and make life difficult for the Grizzlies’ shooting guards. Not to mention, they also have two young point guards in Yogi Ferrell and Dennis Smith Jr. who can flat get buckets. If the Grizzlies’ perimeter defense is weak, matchups against Dallas won’t be fun.
- Nerlens Noel
If the Mavs do retain Noel, he’ll expose Gasol for his lack of quickness. Last season, Noel killed Marc in the paint. He flew above the rim for easy dunks. He ran all up and down the floor for transition buckets. Noel can also protect the rim at an elite level. Unless Wright or Davis get more playing time, Gasol will have his hands full with Nerlens Noel…
If the Mavs can retain him.
Next: Parsons progressing through rehab
Closing Remarks
The Memphis Grizzlies can have some fun games against the Mavericks, especially if Chandler Parsons can stay healthy and productive. Even though it’s hard to call Dallas a “playoff team” in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, they’re certainly a team that can’t be slept on.