Memphis Grizzlies’ defensive strength continues to strive post Grit n’ Grind

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 1: Nikola Vucevic
MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 1: Nikola Vucevic /
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The Memphis Grizzlies are currently (7-3), third in the Western Conference, and fourth in the NBA in overall team defense-without Tony Allen.

Now, this isn’t one of those “Tony Allen hurt us articles” — there have been plenty of those columns. This article, however, will focus on how Allen saved some guys, and how Marc Gasol and Mike Conley have anchored the Memphis Grizzlies’ defense.

Through 11 games, the Grizzlies have the third-best defense in the league. Opponents like, the Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans, and Houston Rockets have all fallen victim to their smothering defense.

Golden State Warriors: Offensive Rating: 1st. Grizzlies vs. GSW: (1-0)

In their only meeting, Memphis had Warriors guard Steph Curry and forward Kevin Durant heading out the door early. Containing the big three of Golden State (Curry, Thompson, Durant) the Grizzlies held the “others” to 21 points. The bench for the Warriors only scored 18  points, and the Grizzlies contained the leagues best offensive attack.

Houston Rockets: Offensive Rating: 4th. Grizzlies vs HOU: (2-0)

In both of the Grizzlies’ meeting against the Rockets, the Grizzlies have held the Rockets to 90 points or less. The league’s fourth-ranked offense was held to 90 points less, and the Grizzlies defense racked up a total of 34 turnovers in their two matchups. James Harden has been held to 42 points overall in their two match ups.

Portland Trail Blazers: Offensive Rating: 13th. Grizzlies vs POR: (1-0)

The Grizzlies traveled into Portland with revenge on their mind, following a trap game verses the Los Angeles Lakers. Portland took the Grizzlies to the wire, but the Grizzlies ended up winning by one point. Although C.J. McCollum scored 36 points, his counterpart Damian Lillard only scored 12 points.

Also, the Grizzlies won by one, holding the opposing team to less than 100 points. They forced the Trail Blazers’ offense to turn the ball over 16 times in that game as well.

New Orleans Pelicans: Offensive Rating: 13th. Grizzlies vs NO: (1-0)

Demarcus Cousins went for 28, and Anthony Davis for 33; so, how did the Grizzlies win this game and hold the Pelicans to 91? Just like they did to the Warriors, they weathered the attack to the only two guys. The Pelicans are by far not a playoff team, but this game could’ve been a trap game. However, the Grizzlies forced 18 turnovers and converted on them on the offensive end.

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What is different?

In an offseason that saw Tony Allen and Zach Randolph leave, fans can do nothing but applaud the front office for making that move.

Yes, the city loved these guys — just like they Memphis — but to win consistently, the front office moved on. The front office and head coach Dave Fizdale put the trust in his players to continue what Allen and Randolph had started. Fizdale can throw numerous guys out on the floor and trust that the team will rotate on every screen and guard that guy one-on-one. So far, the Grizzlies are (7-4) and third in the West.

The risk was high, but so far the reward has been sweet so far.