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Memphis Grizzlies: Five Important Aspects to Consider Versus Indiana

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 5: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots against the Atlanta Hawks on October 5, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 5: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots against the Atlanta Hawks on October 5, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 31: Thaddeus Young #21 of the Indiana Pacers dunks against Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies on January 31, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 31: Thaddeus Young #21 of the Indiana Pacers dunks against Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies on January 31, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Measuring the Defense

There has obviously been a lot of talk about the Memphis Grizzlies’ enhanced defensive roster to start the new season. However, the final scoreboards have not resembled as much.

Allowing 131 points to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday and 110 to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, the pace has been high in intensity for the Grizzlies. The team most definitely needs the offensive exercise, but it is time to utilize their core strength.

Saturday is a perfect opportunity with the arrival of the Indiana Pacers. Indy is coming off of a victory against the same Rockets squad that defeated Memphis by 16. However, the Pacers were able to control their game — also on the road — to command a 110-100 victory. It is just one game, but you must give Indiana credit where it is due.

Much like Memphis, the Pacers pride themselves on a full team effort night-in and night-out. Victor Oladipo is their All-Star, but it is because he incorporates his teammates on each possession. He is a true facilitator that can cause major problems for the Grizzlies if he is not contained early in the first quarter.

Indiana looks to be deadly from beyond the three-point line this season, so the Memphis Grizzlies will absolutely need to remain tight on defense in order to slow Indy’s roll. However, the Grizz must learn to defend without fouling, which is what caused their downfall in Houston on Tuesday. It will be a long night if guys continue to foul on long shot attempts.

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