With a 26-15 record the Memphis Grizzlies currently sit in third place in the Western Conference standings as they have officially reached the halfway point of the regular season. Their 26 wins in the team's 41 games are just one win shy of their full 82-game season total of 27 wins during their lost season last year.
After an offseason full of coaching staff changes to prioritize making their offense more formidable, the Grizzlies have embarked on a tear that hasn't been seen in the franchise's history on that end of the court. Although injuries continue to prevent the team from playing to its full potential, they have battled through it with the NBA's deepest team that will soon be back to full form.
Offense: A-
The Grizzlies impressive offensive rankings in the league this season include the following (As of January 17th): 123 points per game (1st), 48.3 field goal % average (5th), 37.1 three-point % average (10th), 13 offensive rebounds per game (2nd), 29.5 assists per game (3rd), and 56.8 points in the paint per game (2nd). The Grizzlies' only blemish this season when it comes to their offense is turnovers per game (17) which they rank last in the NBA.
Their offensive system was prioritized last offseason with the addition of former Paris Basketball coach Tuomas Iisalo, who coached the highest points per game average in EuroCup history last season. His offensive system prioritizes pace, possessions, and principles which has defined their offensive success and one blunder.
The pace and principles have been successful as the Grizzlies rank 1st in pace (105.07) and 5th in offensive rating (117.1). A balanced scoring effort that has produced six double-digit average scorers has shown progress in the principles department. However, the possessions portion is lacking due to the high turnover rate which prevents their midseason ranking from being A or A+.
Defense: B+
Naturally, when your team is leading the NBA in points per game, the defense will take a minor step back, but the Grizzlies have maintained high-level defense throughout this season. Their defensive ranks are as follows: 44.8 opponent field goal % average (2nd), 34.8 opponent three-point % average (4th), 48.1 rebounds per game (1st), and 16.4 opponent turnovers per game (4th).
The Grizzlies' fast pace has allowed their opponents to average 115.2 points per game, which ranks 22nd in the league. However, the efficiency of their opponents making that average is low and is recognized as the Grizzlies rank 5th in defensive rating (109.6).
Former Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Jaren Jackson Jr. leads the team in blocks (1.7) and steals (1.5) per game and is currently third in the FanDuel Sportsbook betting odds to win his second DPOY. His availability (39 of 41 games played) and continued excellence on the defensive end have helped the team keep that identity amidst all the injuries.
Midseason Grade: B+
As great as the numbers look on the court on offense and defense, the Grizzlies have left a little bit to be desired in the Western Conference standings. On the one hand, leading the league in injuries once again should be praised as they have made it through to a third-seed ranking at the halfway point.
However, their 13-12 against Western Conference opponents, including a 0-4 record against the West's top two teams, leave something to be desired. They are inching closer to full health so maybe some of their premier games remaining in their third toughest strength of schedule can help them make the jump from good to great during the second half of the season.