How to win with the Memphis Grizzlies in NBA 2K18

With NBA 2K18 officially out, how can you win with the Memphis Grizzlies. Can you stop anyone using this method? Can it help you beat the Warriors?

Before I begin, I’ll answer the second question. Unless you’re a 2K wizard, then you won’t beat the Golden State Warriors with the Memphis Grizzlies in NBA 2K18.

However, the Grizzlies are still a team you can use to frustrate your friends or online opponents. With their new acquisitions, they have some interesting elements and lineup combinations. At least in 2K, the additions of Ben McLemore and Tyreke Evans counteract their losses of Zach Randolph, Vince Carter and Tony Allen.

Is it enough to win with them in NBA 2K18? Is their offense better on 2K than past years?

To answer this, I played a game as the Memphis Grizzlies against the Minnesota Timberwolves on All-Star difficulty with six minute quarters. The final score was 70-57, Grizzlies.

Keys to win

Use Chandler Parsons as a stretch-4.

At the moment, JaMychal Green isn’t on the Grizzlies yet. Until then, they have Jarell Martin starting in his place. Since Parsons has obviously lost a step, I moved him over to the power forward position and inserted James Ennis at small forward. In the process, it placed a more athletic, quicker Ennis on Wiggins and Parsons against a slower, but more physical Taj Gibson.

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With Parsons at the 4, you could run pick-and-fade’s with Conley. The move opens up a lane for Conley — which is automatic — or an open 3-pointer for Parsons. His 3-point rating is a ‘D+’ at the moment, but if he’s open, it’ll fall (3-for-4 from downtown).

The switch to the power forward also gives you a secondary playmaker in the frontcourt which opens up opportunities for Gasol at the rim or Ennis and McLemore — both with a ‘B’ grade from distance — from downtown.

Survive the second quarter

Unless you like making your own subs, the bench will play most of the minutes in the second quarter. Honestly, the bench is mediocre at best. If you have Tyreke Evans, he can provide you some scoring to survive the time without Conley or Gasol. Deyonta Davis can grab rebounds and finish around the rim. However, the rest of the bench isn’t going to torch anyone.

Mid-range Marc

Marc Gasol has always been one of the best mid-range shooting big men in the league. In NBA 2K18, he’s automatic from there. A simple pick-and-fade with Conley should give Gasol a wide-open jumper. Or, it opens up the lane for Conley … which brings me to my next point …

Don’t get 3-happy; attack the basket.

Mike Conley is a lights-out shooter, don’t get me wrong. The Grizzlies also have decent shooters, but don’t get too happy from distance. You probably won’t win.

Even against a quick Jeff Teague, Conley got around him with ease. From there, he’ll either finish for an easy lineup or earn a trip to the line.

When attacking the basket, you can either get to the free throw line, find an open teammate for a triple or posterize someone.

Look at the matchup with Marc Gasol

While Gasol is one of the highest rated centers in 2K (89 overall, third highest-rated center), he was matched up against Karl-Anthony Towns — 91 overall, second highest-rated center. Towns went absolutely berserk, scoring 28 points and hauling in 12 rebounds.

Yes, the win still happened, but consider the matchup with Marc Gasol. I’m not saying to play the Kings or Nets all the time with the Grizzlies, but if Marc struggles against a certain big man, you won’t win.

Next: What position should your myPlayer play for the Grizz?

Closing Remarks

NBA 2K is back and better than ever. It may be the absolute best 2K they’ve ever released, something I haven’t been able to say in a while. Go grab a copy today and dominate with your Memphis Grizzlies.

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