The wait is finally over. Memphis Grizzlies basketball is back! The team kicked off the 2023 campaign Wednesday night on their home floor with a prime-time matchup against the New York Knicks.
Memphis started out hot and gained an early lead, but New York managed to slowly claw their way back. Thanks to clutch plays from Cam Reddish and Jalen Brunson, they were able to send things into overtime.
The Knicks might have extended the game, but the Grizzlies still managed to pull things out. Led by an incredible showing from Ja Morant, they picked up the victory by a final score of 115-112. Here are some takeaways from the matchup:
Memphis Grizzlies depth on full display
Heading into the season, one major question for the Grizzlies was how their roster was going to hold up. Between Jaren Jackson Jr. being hurt and losing De’Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson in the offseason, there were multiple holes to be filled in Taylor Jenkins’ rotation.
If there were any doubts about Memphis’ depth holding up, they were laid to rest against the Knicks. Multiple players managed to step up and make the most of their opportunity.
By far the biggest standout from the supporting cast was Santi Aldama. Starting in place of JJJ, he posted 18 points and ten rebounds while shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. John Konchar also started after Dillon Brooks was a late scratch and put up 12 points and eight rebounds.
Time and time again, this group has embraced the “next man up” mentality. Once the group is fully healthy, they have a chance to be one of the deeper teams in the league.
Emphasis on three-point shooting
Last year, the Grizzlies were near the bottom of the league in terms of three-point attempts per game. Taylor Jenkins cited this as an area of improvement heading into this season, and it was apparent on opening night.
From the opening tip, Memphis was aggressive from beyond the arc. In total, they attempted 45 threes and converted 16 of them (35.6%). Desmond Bane had the most attempts (12), while John Konchar had the most makes (4).
Shot selection will have to improve going forward, but this willingness to let it fly from deep is a positive development. If they can space defenses out on the perimeter, it will create more lanes for Ja Morant to get downhill and do damage at the rim.
Ja Morant already playing at an MVP level
Speaking of Ja Morant, the Grizzlies star couldn’t have kicked off the year in better fashion. He did it all in the overtime win, finishing with a box score of 34 points, four rebounds, and nine assists. On top of those numbers, Morant also stepped out from beyond the arc six times and connected on three attempts.
He came out of the gates strong and finished even better. With the game on the line in the closing seconds, Morant got an incredible layup to go that eventually got called a charge. In overtime, he had multiple highlight plays. Including a sequence where he recorded a block and quickly went down the other end to find Brandon Clarke on a lob.
After securing the Most Improved Player award last season, Morant now has his sights set on MVP. Judging from his performance against the Knicks, he is ready to cement himself among the NBA’s superstar talent.