The Grizzlies were looking to secure their first victory at Chase Center since October 28, 2021. Ultimately, the Grizzlies lost once again to the Golden State Warriors on the road. Despite the team sitting at 2-2 without multiple rotation pieces, the loss raised more concerns about the Grizzlies' ability to withstand their current situation. Even with injuries directly contributing to some of the team's problems, the Grizzlies must improve in three areas to return to the playoffs.
1. The Grizzlies need to get off to faster starts in games
The Grizzlies had their best performance of the season against the Indiana Pacers in their third game. Despite only scoring 23 points in the first quarter, they only gave up 21 points and eventually won by 25. In the other three games, first quarters have not been kind to the Grizzlies, especially defensively. The Grizzlies have given up 30+ first-quarter points in three of their first four games.
Despite coming back to win against the Pelicans in the season opener, the team started slow and ended up losing a blowout to the Miami Heat. Even in the Warriors game, the Grizzlies led by one point after a quarter but gave up 36 points and started the game down 7-0. The Grizzlies must make their open shots and be more disciplined in guarding the perimeter, especially early in games.
2. The Grizzlies must shoot better from behind the arc
One of the biggest catalysts for the Grizzlies' first two losses has been poor three-point shooting. Right now, the Grizzlies are shooting 31.9% from three, which is the fifth-worst percentage in the NBA. The current league-average three-point percentage is 36.1%. The Grizzlies, until they get near full strength, will have a difficult time overcoming adversity, especially if the three-point shot isn't falling.
It is highly likely that the team is simply in a shooting slump. Players such as Jaylen Wells, Santi Aldama, and even Jaren Jackson Jr. are shooting significantly lower than their typical three-point averages. The team currently has the 9th-best scoring offense at 122 points per game despite their shooting woes. The Grizzlies must shoot better from three to offset the current defensive struggles and injury crisis.
3. The Grizzlies must create more second-chance opportunities
The absence of Zach Edey has led to the Grizzlies having more struggles rebounding, especially on offense. The Grizzlies are 15th in the NBA in defensive rebounds at 33.3 per game, but they are currently tied for last with the Cleveland Cavaliers in offensive rebounds at 8.8 per game.
In the meantime, frontcourt players such as Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, and Santi Aldama must grab more offensive boards. The Grizzlies are still a top-10 scoring offense despite multiple areas for improvement. They have been one of the best teams at scoring in transition and getting to the free-throw line.
On the other hand, the Grizzlies are tied for fifth-worst in second-chance points at 12.6 points per game. Five to six more second-chance points per game would put the Grizzlies in the top half of the league.