Memphis Grizzlies: 4 takeaways in win over Warriors

No. 1: The bench is legit

I wrote about the bench’s potential to be elite the other day. Last night’s win furthered my case.

Mike Conley couldn’t get anything going from the field, scoring only 10 points on 3-14 shooting. However, the bench is talented enough — especially in the backcourt — to compensate an off-night from their star.

Tyreke Evans toyed around with the Warriors’ second unit, scoring 12 points on 5-12 shooting and grabbing seven rebounds in 23 minutes of play. He attacked Golden State’s defense by driving to the basket and finding his rhythm from deep. Tyreke Evans is a big guard who has the ability to generate a flurry of buckets. He’s the kind of player who can help the Grizzlies sustain or extend a lead.

Mario Chalmers played well and — more importantly — gave Conley plenty of rest. Rio played 22 minutes, scoring 10 points and dishing out three assists. He put pressure on the Warriors both offensively and defensively, something he has to keep doing for the Grizzlies to succeed.

Dillon Brooks has been a surprise for the Grizzlies thus far. He only notched nine points, but he was a solid two-way playmaker all night.

Chandler Parsons found his shot from deep, hitting one 3 to end the first quarter and another 3 in Durant’s face. Not to mention, his defense isn’t a complete liability as he’s actually held his own on that end. As he progresses towards playing normal minutes, it’s important for him to find ways to produce aside from scoring.

Granted, Mike Conley can’t play like that every night and expect a Grizzlies win. However, this bench unit picked up the slack and looked promising.