3 teams Memphis Grizzlies may struggle to beat in 2022-23
By Jack Hampton
Dallas Mavericks restock talent in quest to leapfrog Memphis Grizzlies
With Minnesota being a matchup problem, the Dallas Mavericks provide a different nightmare: pace.
The Grizzlies had the third-fastest pace in the league last year, where they made a living in transition off turnovers. Dallas, however, was last in the league in pace and thrived with Luka Doncic walking the ball up the court. Doncic averaged nearly a triple-double against Memphis last year, where even Dillon Brooks couldn’t speed him up.
Not only will Luka provide problems for the Grizzlies, but adding Christian Wood to the mix provides even more space for him to operate. Pulling Jaren Jackson Jr. away from the basket is always a good strategy for his opponent. Not to mention a Doncic/Wood pick and roll will be lethal not only for Memphis but the entire NBA.
Another reason the Grizzlies have struggled against Dallas is because the Mavericks rarely turn the ball over. The Mavericks were 28th in turnovers per game last year. This not only eliminates all the highlight transition plays that every Grizzly fan craves, but it also forces Memphis to play half-court basketball, where they struggle mightily.
There are a couple of bright spots going into this matchup next year, though. No team was happier than Memphis when Kristaps Porzingis was traded last year. He put up 20+ points in three of the last five matchups between the two teams. Finally, losing Jalen Brunson will become one of the biggest mistakes of this year’s offseason. This doesn’t change the fact that Grizzly fans will still dread playing the Mavericks.