The Grizzlies gave a valiant effort in their loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 15th, despite Ja Morant leaving with a calf injury six minutes into the game. They continued to lead for most of the game before the Cavaliers stifled them to just 16 points in the fourth quarter to win 108-100.
The game also marked Zach Edey's first game of the season after missing the first 13 due to offseason ankle surgery. While the box score doesn't fully capture the story of the impact Edey had on the Grizzlies in his return to the lineup, a few quirks showed why his presence is important for the team as they look to turn around their 4-10 start.
Physicality and toughness was back on this display for the Grizzlies
The Grizzlies haven't been the historic version of themselves this season as a franchise built on physicality and toughness. Edey immediately stood out as a player who can't be bullied, and he helped the team on the defensive end of the court with much-needed rim protection that had been missing this season.
He finished his first game of the season with 13 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in 25 minutes of playing time while battling the likes of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. The Grizzlies have given up 52 points per game in the paint to their opponents this season, but the Cavaliers only scored 40 points in the paint in Edey's return.
Although the Grizzlies lost the rebounding battle 49-46, having Edey back settled their big man rotation despite top reserve Brandon Clarke remaining out. The Grizzlies' four bigs of Edey, Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, and Jock Landale combined for 28 of the team's 46 rebounds, with an additional eight coming from rookie wing Cedric Coward.
Despite the loss, the Grizzlies looked more physically imposing and appeared to be a team that was more settled with Edey in the middle. Now, they need to hope for better health in their backcourt rotation to balance the return of their big man rotation being nearly complete.