Memphis Grizzlies: Looking back at each past matchup vs. Spurs

The Memphis Grizzlies can use lessons from previous matchups to get an edge

Even though the Grizzlies don’t have much to look forward to down the road, they should feel good about their matchup in the first game of the Western Conference play-in tournament. With all due respect to the San Antonio Spurs, Memphis is simply the better team.

They’ll look to use takeaways from the past two matchups to secure a win against the Spurs. Here are those takeaways.

Share the rock: In two wins against the Spurs, the Grizzlies had a wide range of scorers put the ball in the bucket and had two of their highest assist totals of the season. In the first game, Ja Morant did a bulk of the scoring, with only four players reaching double digits. The Grizzlies also had a lower assist total than the Spurs. If the Grizzlies want to win, they’ll have to up their assist total, giving everyone in the lineup a chance to score.

Create defense: This one shouldn’t be difficult for one of the feistiest teams in the league. The Grizzlies had a lackluster defensive performance in the first game between these two teams. In the next two games, they created a lot of turnovers and blocked a lot of shots. A Grizzlies win would be a lot easier if they were able to keep the Spurs in the 100-point range.

Shoot the ball well: This one isn’t necessarily up to personal choice, but there are steps that can be taken to create strong opportunities for 3-point shooting. The Grizzlies made at least 48% of their long-range shots in their two wins against the Spurs. In their loss, they shot an average of 37% from deep. This one is more of a fingers-crossed takeaway, but strong shooting could go a long way for a team that hasn’t been consistent from deep.