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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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Defensive Rating: 102.7 (4th in NBA)

Even though #GNG died in spirit, the motto still lives on. The Grizzlies currently own a top-5 defense, putting them on par with their better Grit N Grind seasons, when defensive intensity was their calling card.

Conley is still a lockdown artist. Gasol is leaner and quicker, able to switch on screens and help-contest with greater ease. James Ennis is a long, energetic swing defender. Dillon Brooks is a high-IQ scrapper who seems to have his nose into every loose ball and broken play. Even a former leak like Chandler Parsons is posting a net-positive DBPM.

Perhaps most impressive is that this is happening without JaMychal Green. He ranked behind only Gasol and The Grindfather in D win shares on last year’s roster – and is arguably the team’s most versatile defender.

The credit can be spread equally between the roster, Coach Fizz and Memphis’ organizational culture. Their young franchise’s singular positive identity is deeply entrenched in tough defense; it’s not shocking to see tradition carried on.

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