Grading Justise Winslow’s Memphis Grizzlies debut

Defensive grade: A-

I’d like to give him a higher defensive grade, but looking at the team’s overall performance against Phoenix, there’s only so much I can do here. You wouldn’t give out an A+ to somebody on a group project if the final product turned out as badly as last night’s game.

The Phoenix Suns actually set a franchise record for 3-pointers made against Memphis. This was due, in large part, to the Grizzlies leaving guys wide open for most of the game. Again, the lineup was totally abnormal, so this isn’t a trend that we’re likely to see again. Plus, it was better than the 144-point onslaught that the team received from the New Orleans Pelicans.

But one small win in Saturday’s game was the energy that Winslow brought to the defensive end of the court. For a while, it seemed like he was the only guy out there who wanted to stop the Suns from scoring. To add to this, it took no time at all for him to settle in.

Taylor Jenkins praised his defensive efforts after the game, noting that he had to cover one of the most lethal scorers in the league in Devin Booker. Winslow’s defensive efforts will be remembered, and will look to be something that this team builds off of heading toward the playoffs.

Just thinking about the return of Jaren Jackson Jr. and this team’s potential is enough to have you buzzing with excitement. Winslow and Jackson should take a team that already has a strong defensive presence and elevate them to the next level.

It’ll be interesting to see how this squad plays with the normal guys back in the rotation. Hopefully, Winslow continues to impress on the defensive side of the ball.