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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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Turnovers/100 Possessions: 13.7 (1st in NBA)

Memphis has traditionally been a possession-valuing team; one that plays so slowly almost has to be by rule. They’ve cut hero ballers (Rudy Gay) and boneheads (OJ Mayo) out of their system, boasting a top-10 turnover rate seven years running.

But this year’s Grizzlies are doing it on another level. They’re turning the ball over less than any team in the NBA. And this isn’t some “we play slow” stat-skew; even their adjusted rate is a league-best.

While Gasol’s turnover clip is the worst it’s been since 2011, Memphis’ backcourt is protecting the rock sublimely. Conley is clocking a career-best 8.0 TO%, which also leads all starting point guards. Not far behind him is (somehow) Tyreke at 9.2; the former inefficiency machine is suddenly a fantasy beast.

Next: Is this the best version of GNG?

The Grizzlies have stuck to the script and executed a clean-cut offense smoothly. While it may be vanilla at times, it’s just one of several ways they’ve played within themselves this year. With every passing game their hot start seems more sustainable: gutting out slow-paced gritty wins in the trenches is something Memphis is very used to.

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