Memphis Grizzlies Finally Finding Their Stride
Tonight the Memphis Grizzlies Summer League team will be competing for a spot in the Las Vegas Summer League Semifinals.
Something many Memphis Grizzlies fans did not see coming after Memphis started off rough during their first three exhibition games in Vegas. Going 1-2 in those three positioning games had Memphis seeded at number 27 out of the 30 NBA teams in the tournament, but something changed.
After a 30 point blowout, and a 14 point loss, I discussed how Memphis needed to get over the mental hurdle of cleaning up the small things.
Coaching Staff Deserves Credit:
It looks as if Grizzlies Summer League Head Coach Greg Buckner and his Hall of Fame coaching staff have found some solutions. “You can’t just come out and lay an egg in the first half,” Buckner said following the loss to the Sacramento Kings. “Starters have to come out with more energy,” Buckner concluded his talk with the Grizzlies after their second straight loss.
Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse provided some power behind Buckner’s message to the team, “We have to trust each other on both ends, and we have to get the ball driven into the paint.” “We have a chance to turn this thing around, in Utah we showed that we know how to play together,” Stackhouse when talking with the team.
(1:51 mark of the video below)
Memphis is Rolling:
The Memphis Grizzlies are rolling to say the least. The last two games for Memphis (All tournament games), Memphis has had three scorers in double figures in their last two games, and have used defense to stay in games when the offense is not rolling smoothly.
Until Memphis can get out of the mud on offense, which usually occurs either in the middle of the second quarter or beginning of the third quarter, Memphis has rotated very well defensively.
Which means when the offense is rolling, these boys are just playing ball and focused on defense, it leads to moments in a game where Memphis had 15 straight stops. It usually doesn’t add up to 15, but in game one of tournament play, Memphis held Oklahoma City to zero points for 15 straight possessions.
Crazy? Not particularly, because Memphis has a great mold, and it starts with the mentality of the coaching staff that trickles down to their players. Once it gets to their players, Carter, Jackson Jr., Markel Crawford, and company get to rolling.
No slowing down in sight?
There is no slowing down in sight, if the Grizzlies continue to follow their coaching staff, and play together. Whenever this sport has the coaching that is needed, and the players that are willing to listen, and produce, it is something special to watch.
Scouting the Sixers:
If it weren’t for a late Sixers rally to beat the Milwaukee Bucks Saturday night in the final minute, Memphis would be seeing a different opponent. The Sixers play a very up tempo style of basketball, and then place their defense second. Last night the Sixers let Milwaukee take an 11 point lead in the third quarter before battling back.
Grizzlies to watch:
- Jevon Carter: Coming off of his best game of his young NBA career, look for Carter to continue showing how his defense causes a ripple effect on his overall game. When his defense on, his offense has come alive off of defensive stops, and running in transition.
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: Jackson Jr., has been stellar on both ends of the floor. Seven blocks last night, and nine rebounds. Jackson has been great, and has another chance tonight to dominate, and help Memphis to the semifinals.
- Markel Crawford: Crawford has been shooting the nets off the rim. He has been hot from all over the floor, and that is what makes watching him so fun. His good shooting streak started on a lane cut for a layup against OKC, and then he shot three straight three pointers, which he hit. Look for Crawford to continue his hot streak if Memphis continues to move correctly on the offensive end of the floor.
T.V. Information:
Tonight, your Memphis Grizzlies will take on the 30th Ranked Philadelphia 76ers tonight at 9:00 CST on ESPN.