For the first time in the young NBA season, the Memphis Grizzlies have a three-game winning streak on their hands. They’re also winners of five of their last six contests. The only loss in that span came in a hard-fought 125-115 loss to the Denver Nuggets, a game where Zach Edey played less than six minutes after leaving the game early with a migraine.
Memphis’ players are starting to hit their stride at the right time. Edey is playing the best basketball of his career. Since his return to the lineup, he’s averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks a game on 67.2% from the field.
During their three-game winning streak, he’s upped those numbers to 19.3 points, 17.0 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks a game on 72% from the field. His impact on both ends of the floor has spread throughout the roster as Jaylen Wells has gotten himself out of his early shooting slump as well.
In the last six games, Wells is averaging 16.2 points on shooting splits of 54.5% from the field and 50% from three. Vince Williams Jr. has stepped up in a big way at point guard while Ja Morant is out. In the seven games Williams Jr. has started in place of Morant, he’s increased his assists to 9.4 per game. In the last five games, Cam Spencer is scoring 14.4 points per game on a nuclear 61% from three.
Outside of the box score, the on-court product has looked better. A big part of that is Edey's presence, but it appears the team is finally gelling in head coach Tuomas Iisalo’s system. The offense is more free-flowing and has more spacing. This has allowed drivers of the basketball, such as Jaren Jackson Jr. and Cedric Coward, more room to operate.
On the defensive side of the ball, Memphis is turning a corner as well. In their last six games, Memphis ranks fifth in the NBA in opponents' points per game with 109.8 and sixth best in defensive rating with 110.0.
The Good Vibes are Back
Outside the court, the energy surrounding this team is shifting. Around a month ago, the Grizzlies were in a tumultuous time. There was the infamous nationally televised game against the Los Angeles Lakers, where Ja Morant allegedly “quit” in the second half. This led to an altercation between Morant and Iisalo, resulting in a one-game suspension for Morant.
The Grizzlies were obviously losing games, which led many to question Iisalo’s long-term fit with the franchise. Additionally, rumors circulated about Morant being traded, prompting some fans to examine NBA Lottery Mock Drafts prematurely.
Now, a month later, most of that outside noise has been put to rest. When you look at the Grizzlies' bench, you see Morant engaged in the game. He’s in constant communication with Iisalo and is a sudo assistant coach while being out with injury.
We’ve also seen the team get chippy during this stretch of play. Notably, during the Nov. 7 game against the Dallas Mavericks, Mavericks guard Klay Thompson got into a heated exchange with Santi Aldama during the match and Morant post-game.
Players are making joyful cameos in their teammates’ walk-off interviews again, similar to the trend set by the 2021-22 Grizzlies team. Most importantly, this team is showing constant fight and grit. In both of the recent wins against the Los Angeles Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans, the Grizzlies were down 16 and 17 points, respectively. A month ago, this team would’ve allowed those leads to expand into blowout losses.
In their most recent win against the Sacramento Kings, Memphis committed 23 turnovers and conceded 25 points off those turnovers, but still managed to win that game by eight. They’re continuing to fight and grind through the ups and downs of these ball games. All of these games haven’t been pretty, but they’ve been effective—a calling card of the Grit N Grind era.
Whether it was intentional or not, the Grizzlies are seemingly adopting some of the trademark ideologies of the Grizzlies’ team of the past with their recent play. Their play has led them to an improved 9-12 record, placing them ninth in the Western Conference. Also, they have a favorable schedule coming up, with hopes of continuing their winning ways.
The bottom line is, the energy is shifting.