The 11-game winning streak that was unfortunately snapped to the hands of the Dallas Mavericks, displayed just how good this Memphis Grizzlies team is. During this win streak, the Grizzlies defeated the likes of the Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, and the Golden State Warriors. All being teams that are considered to be championship contenders.
Watching this team play with exhilarating energy and enthusiasm is enough to understand just how easily they can sway momentum in their favour. However, when looking at the stats the Grizzlies put up, it becomes evident exactly how dominant they have been not only in the course of those past 11 games but for the entire season.
Memphis Grizzlies are antagonizers on the defensive end
Memphis has carried a reputation of being gritty when it comes to defense and this team embodies that to the fullest. Although the Grizzlies are in the middle of the pack when it comes to points allowed sitting at 15th with 108 points per game, other indicators show just how active this team is.
The Taylor Jenkins-coached team leads the NBA in steals per game with 10.1 and in blocks per game with 6.3. Jaren Jackson Jr. has developed into a strong interior presence averaging 2.1 blocks on the season and 2.9 over the last 10 games. Along with Brandon Clarke in the frontcourt, Memphis has formed their towering bigs to protect the paint.
Guards are being forced to protect the ball with extra caution when Memphis players are on the perimeter. There are a total of seven Grizzlies that are averaging at least one steal per game. Top of the list is De’anthony Melton who is averaging 1.6 steals per game off the bench, which puts him at 19th in all of the NBA.
Transition defense has been a point of emphasis with this team especially in scramble situations where it seems they thrive the best. The Grizzlies are in the top five when it comes to opponent’s points off turnovers with just 14.8 per game, which is just seven-tenths behind the Philadelphia 76ers for first.
The brand of basketball Memphis plays translates to the playoffs seamlessly, especially when the game is slowed down. As dominant as they have been protecting their territory on defense, it is very much subject to improving as the season progresses which is a scary thought.
Offense has been clicking on all cylinders for the Memphis Grizzlies
Having a generational player such as Ja Morant, the smart thing to do would be to craft an offensive scheme that compliments the playstyle of your star player. That is exactly what the Grizzlies have done and have evolved as one of the best teams offensively because of this.
Memphis leads the league in fast-break points with 16.5 points per game. Whether it’s on makes or misses, the Grizzlies exhaust their opponents for easy transition opportunities. What makes this such a dynamic element for this team is that they are just as good at running half-court sets.
beautiful. memphis. grizzlies. basketball. pic.twitter.com/5WqGxwPWvR
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 15, 2022
Morant is among the league leaders in points at 24.4 points per game, but his craftiness has opened up so many opportunities for this team offensively. Unlike many teams in the NBA, Memphis doesn’t rely on the three-point shot. Not only are they a team that focuses on scoring in the paint, but they are also the best team at doing so with 55.5 points in the paint per game leading the league.
Another development that has unlocked the potential of this team is the emergence of the second-year guard, Desmond Bane. Bane currently has the fourth most made three-pointers this season out of all NBA players. For a team that doesn’t rely heavily on the outside shot, he is the cherry on top of the Grizzlies’ success.
The Memphis Grizzlies have risen to the fourth-best team in the NBA and have shown no signs of slowing down. This team that has been projected as a team for the future has become a team for the present.