3 standout performers in Memphis Grizzlies’ preseason opener

Memphis Grizzlies Standout Performer No. 2: SG De’Anthony Melton

The Grizzlies’ second standout performer may not show up much on any highlight reels, but he had himself a day in this preseason opener. That player is De’Anthony Melton.

The best part? Melton didn’t really do anything new.

The Grizzly shooting guard essentially played to his strengths and improve from what we saw a season ago. It started on the offensive end, where Melton knocked down four of six three-pointers, continuing a hot streak that began at the start of the 2020-21 season and has not relented.

To put things into context, Melton was a 28% three-point shooter in his first year on Beale Street. The next year (last season), that percentage skyrocketed to almost 41%, as Melton cemented himself as one of the team’s best shooters.

But shooting isn’t even his primary strong suit — that honor goes to his feisty defense, which was on full display against the Milwaukee Bucks. Melton had three steals on the night, one of which led to one of Ja Morant’s highlight dunks.

Melton also had a single block on the night. And speaking of blocks… (sorry about these corny transitions).