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Memphis Grizzlies Begin Tournament Play in Vegas

By Brendan Smart

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 8: Kobi Simmons #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 8, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 8: Kobi Simmons #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 8, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Your Memphis Grizzlies come into tonight’s action in Las Vegas with a tough matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Memphis will be coming into tonight’s matchup after two tough losses. One 30 point blowout, and the other a 14 point loss. Both games Memphis lost control mentally, because of small things.

Grizzlies Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff mentioned this before Summer League, “Not losing focus, and doing the big things and the little things correctly.” He is correct, because the teams that have beat them have not been all that good. In Memphis’ 30 point loss to the Magic, Memphis should’ve pushed pace, and been smarter with the ball instead of forcing things.

Same can be said in their 14 point loss to the Kings on Tuesday night. In this loss, Memphis’ big men just didn’t want to be involved, and when involved, the couldn’t get the job done.

It is alarming to me, because Memphis has a core group of guys with experience in the NBA experience. Ivan Rabb, Deyonta Davis, Wayne Selden, and Kobi Simmons all should be able to pull this team together when the mud gets thick in these games.

LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 7: Wayne Selden #7 of Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 7: Wayne Selden #7 of Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. /

Selden looking for help:

Selden has been the only reliable source for offense with this core group of players. Simmons has been good, but inconsistent in the Vegas Summer League. Simmons is looking more and more like a two guard every game, but he needs to know his limits when pushing the pace or being out numbered in transition.

LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Kobi Simmons #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Kobi Simmons #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. /

Triple-J Returns:

Following a tough game against the Magic (which I think he should’ve sat out), and getting rest against the Kings on Tuesday night, Jackson Jr., will return for the game tonight against the Thunder. Jackson plays a huge role on the defensive end, and is really the answer if this team gets out and runs effectively or not. Getting stops at the rim and then sprinting down the court to finish on the offensive end is something to behold from this rookie. If Jackson has a good game, I like Memphis’ chances.

Dillon Brooks siting?

Will Dillon Brooks play? That is the million dollar question. He attended the Grizzlies game in Vegas on Tuesday, but did not suit up. Brooks is on the roster, but spent the first two or three games in Spain with the Gasol brothers helping with their charity basketball game. If Brooks plays, (let’s hope he doesn’t) Memphis will have another scoring punch.

Dillon Brooks from Canada of Memphis Grizzlies during the charity and friendly match Pau Gasol vs Marc Gasol, with European and American NBA players to help young basketball players and developing teams in Fontajau Pavillion, Girona on 8 of July of 2018. (Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Dillon Brooks from Canada of Memphis Grizzlies during the charity and friendly match Pau Gasol vs Marc Gasol, with European and American NBA players to help young basketball players and developing teams in Fontajau Pavillion, Girona on 8 of July of 2018. (Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

Keys for Memphis against OKC:

  • Message to guards: Don’t be selfish. If your name is Wayne Selden, then be selfish, but if it isn’t, dump it down low to your big guys. Let Davis, Rabb, and Jaren Jackson go to work.
  • Make Oklahoma City fall asleep: Be Grit N’ Grind. Play hard on the defensive end and force turnovers, and then push the pace.
  • Focus on finishing on both ends: This isn’t just for offensive purposes. When was the last game Memphis won the rebound battle this Summer League? I can’t remember either, so block out and get boards!
  • Don’t do too much: Hustle, but don’t over hustle. Simmons, among other have been caught doing the right thing, but only for it to end in a broken fast break. I’ve even seen great defense, but getting burned when doing too much.
  • Everyone has a job, do yours: Trust your teammates. This team is one of the best on the Summer League circuit, and coming into this tournament has become an underdog because they don’t trust each other in certain scenarios. Have trust and focus on yourself on both ends.
  • Lastly, leave it all out there: It is tournament time, and I know that it is Summer League, but jobs are on the line. Lay it out there (in a smart way), and tail! Take each game one game at a time, and remember that it is just basketball.

T.V. Information:

Memphis (1-2) will tip off their Vegas tournament play tonight at 5:00 P.M. CST on NBA TV against the Oklahoma City Thunder (2-1).

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