Coming into the season many expected the Memphis Grizzlies to be a good team, but it was a surprise to many to see that they made such a drastic jump from last season. Not only is the team playing at an elite level, but they are also playing with a great sense of comradery and unity that is by far the best of any other roster in the NBA. However, there is one thing that sets this team apart from the rest and makes them very dangerous.
When looking at all the teams in title contention, all of them came into the season with those expectations. Essentially their season would be a failure if they didn’t win the championship. That goes for the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers. That isn’t the case with the Memphis Grizzlies.
There are no overbearing expectations weighing on their shoulders. This allows them to play more freely and comfortably as they have been this entire season. Everyone on the Grizzlies is just having fun playing the game of basketball.
FLIGHT 12. pic.twitter.com/dDkbUz1Xg8
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) March 4, 2022
Whether it’s celebrating with teammates or talking trash to the opponents, Memphis is going to make sure they have fun while playing the game of basketball. After LeBron James took exception to some trash-talking from Desmond Bane earlier in the season, Ja Morant didn’t shy away from standing his and the team’s ground.
"“There ain’t no running in the M, man. We climb up the chimney. We ain’t ducking no smoke. We’re gonna let everybody know we’re here. We’re gonna play hard, we’re trying to get a win and if you don’t like it? Oh well.” – Ja Morant"
While turmoil is brewing in locker rooms of other teams, Memphis continues to build an even stronger bond between their players and it’s evident with their play on the court. Despite this, the Grizzlies also hold themselves with the discipline of a team with championship aspirations. It’s an amazing blend of living in the moment, while also acknowledging there is a future and that not everything is on the line right now.
The Grizzlies currently sit half a game back of the second seed and are to be expecting Dillon Brooks very soon, which is only going to make them harder to deal with. This team is hungry and wants to win and the stars are aligning for them to be able to do it on their terms. Just like how the Memphis Grizzlies want to do it.