Memphis Grizzlies: The dynamic duos that define them
By Noah Hancock
Memphis Grizzlies Duo: Desmond Bane and De’Anthony Melton
This one may have caught you by surprise. Ask any Grizzles fan where our weakness has been positionally over the last two decades, and they will more than likely say the same thing, “Shooting/Scoring Wings.”
The key to much of Memphis’ success this year has been because of these two. We know the splash brothers, but I like to call these guys the “Splash Twins” (I should trademark that). Although these guys look nothing alike physically, their games have been near-identical.
Desmond Bane stat line: 17PTS, 4 REB, 2.5 AST, 1 STL, 2 TO, per game
De’Anthony Melton stat line: 13PTS, 5 REB, 2.6 AST, 1.5 STL, 1.5 TO, per game
Besides Bane Scoring +4 on average over Melton, their games have been near-identical. Watching the defense shift onto Ja Morant, because he scores an easy 10+ points in a quarter, allows Ja to find his other options, which previously has been Jaren Jackson Jr. However, now Ja has two shot-creating wing players that when given their chance to score will do so.
How does this constitute a duo though? Yes, their performances have been good and similar, but how do they work together as a duo?
When one is off the other is on. I have watched many games this year where Bane will come down hit a three-point shot, and next possession he will get a driving floater, and so on. Once he misses once or twice, Bane then defers to Melton and vice-versa. These two feed off of each other and feed each other the basketball. With the way these two are playing it is going to be hard to fit Dillon Brooks back into the starting lineup.