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Memphis Grizzlies By The Numbers: Key Stats to a Hot Start

By AJ Salah

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 21: The Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 21, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 21: The Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 21, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Pace: 95.4 (30th in NBA)

You’re probably looking at this and thinking “OK, so they’re dead last in the NBA in pace, how is that a key to their success?” And, you might not be wrong at first glance. Limiting the possessions in any given game lowers the margin for error and ostensibly dilutes the better team’s statistical edge.

But in slowing down, Memphis is inherently playing to its own strengths. The Grizz aren’t Bruce Springsteen. Their point guards aren’t speed demons, their big men aren’t gazelle-like trailers, and their roster is chocked full of guys with lower-body injury history.

As a result, the Grizzlies’ hands (paws?) are forced into the halfcourt, where they can exploit their most effective offensive conduit: Conley-Gasol pick-n-conquer. Their spacing has improved, meaning greater ease of execution in a methodical offensive set.

Memphis also benefits from forcing opponents out of their normal rhythm, grinding the pace to a halt most aren’t comfortable with. The “zig while everyone zags” approach is especially useful for a team that can cast attackers to a defensive gauntlet, leading us to…

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