3 keys to the Grizzlies’ NBA Playoff push

As of February 24th, the Grizzlies currently sit at 13-14 and 10th in the Western Conference.

While the Grizzlies are fighting to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2016-17 season, Memphis has looked a bit shaky coming off their COVID-19 outbreak that forced the team to postpone five straight games in January. The Grizzlies are just 6-8 since the hiatus, including a four-game skid where they lost to the Pacers, Rockets, Pelicans, and Raptors.

While one or two keys may seem obvious for the team to find success, another key may be more of an issue than it may seem.

It’s quite odd, as it seems the Grizzlies’ can only either manhandle a team or be the victim of the manhandling.

In fact, in all 14 of the games played since the outbreak, the score has been decided by nine or more points. This poses a serious inconsistency issue that hopefully can be fixed soon as the team is finally looking healthy.

Surprisingly, most of the consistency is actually coming from the second unit. The bench has been a pleasant surprise this season and has helped keep the Grizzlies in the game. With the emergence of players like Desmond Bane, Xavier Tillman, De’Anthony Melton, and Gorgui Dieng, the bench ranks among the top in many of the major statistical offensive and defensive categories

So, what do the Grizzlies need to do to secure a spot in the playoffs and potentially do some damage in June? Here are 3 keys to what needs to happen.