Memphis Grizzlies: 5 Takeaways from Preseason Victory Over Atlanta

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 5: JaMychal Green #0 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball 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: JaMychal Green #0 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball 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)
1 of 3
MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 5: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies hypes the team up in the huddle 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: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies hypes the team up in the huddle 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)

After a disappointing preseason defeat on Tuesday, the Memphis Grizzlies made it very clear on Friday that they were not content with that score as they take the win over Atlanta.

No matter where you go in sports, any Tennessee team does not earn the respect that they deserve. The Memphis Grizzlies are most definitely included in this blanket statement.

Last week, the Grizzlies went head-to-head with James Harden‘s Houston Rockets and unfortunately lost in the second half. Watching Memphis’ second preseason game on Friday evening against the Atlanta Hawks, it is clear to see that Memphis will not settle for a loss if they can help it.

Friday’s meeting was filled with highlight plays that will probably not receive the amount of credit they truly deserve by national media outlets, but that is okay. Each one of those plays was a statement that the Memphis Grizzlies should not be overlooked this season.

In an postgame interview with Grizz forward Kyle Anderson, it was stated that Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff is working largely on defense because a strong defensive team is a club that you will see come May and June. In watching the Grizzlies tonight, you would think the same while enjoying this squad’s chances if the intensity keeps up.