3 teams Memphis Grizzlies may struggle to beat in 2022-23
By Jack Hampton
After finishing with the second-best record in the league in 2021-22, the Memphis Grizzlies didn’t exactly make friends along the way to one of the most successful finishes in franchise history.
With two turbulent playoff series in their rearview mirror, Memphis is transitioning from the hunter to the hunted.
Throughout the upcoming season, there will be so many incredible matchups to look forward to, but there are three teams every Grizzly fan should be circling on next season’s calendar.
Minnesota Timberwolves looking for revenge against Memphis Grizzlies
When it comes to matchup problems for the Memphis Grizzlies, the Minnesota Timberwolves are at the top of that list. However, this nightmare didn’t just begin during last year’s playoffs.
In the regular season series, Ja Morant averaged just 20 points per game on 34% from the field. Minnesota allowed the fourth-fewest PPG from the All-NBA point guard last season. And to complicate things for next season, the Wolves have added a three-time defensive player of the year in Rudy Gobert. Now, driving to the basket isn’t going to be any easier for Ja with the defensive stalwart guarding the rim.
Another tall task for the Grizzlies next year is Karl Anthony Towns. KAT has haunted Steven Adams throughout his career, but never to the point of last season’s playoffs. The Grizzlies’ starting center for 75 games was benched three minutes into Game 2 and never played another minute. Meanwhile, an All-NBA first-team defender in Jaren Jackson Jr. had 31 fouls in six games. KAT had his way with the Grizzlies front court and may do the same next season.
On the defensive end, the Timberwolves’ strategy is apparent: cut the head off the snake (Ja Morant/Jaren Jackson) and make the “others” beat us. Thankfully, Desmond Bane was more than just an “other” in the playoffs. Desmond Bane eclipsed the 50/40/90 mark by averaging 50% from the field, 49% from 3, and 90% from the free throw line in the six-games series. The second-year guard put the world on notice, but so did Anthony Edwards.
Even though Minnesota provides headaches all over the floor for Memphis, they are beatable. With the best young core in the NBA, I will always like our chances.