The Denver Nuggets are pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to the brink of elimination, with Game 7 of their second-round series set to take place Sunday afternoon. Their victory in Game 6 showed resiliency and championship-level resolve as a team that is more experienced than its talented counterparts.
Big shots and plays have been made from both teams throughout the series, and it figures to continue that way in the winner-take-all game at Oklahoma City. The Memphis Grizzlies strive to be where these teams are and should be taking notes on what they need to acquire to make it to this point again.
As arguably the most entertaining series of the playoffs comes to a close, what has transpired should worry the Grizzlies fanbase if there is a thought or chance of them running it back with their core.
The Nuggets have playoff performers
Ja Morant is the only Grizzlies player who feels ready for the moment every time the Grizzlies have made it to the playoffs. Meanwhile, along with Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets consistently get high-level production from Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon in big-time playoff moments. Considering they were the 2023 NBA Champions with their core, this isn't a surprise.
However, the Thunder have seemed to lack a consistent performer outside of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in this series. Their second and third options, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, are having a different series against the Nuggets than they had against the Grizzlies, and that should be concerning for Memphis.
Jalen Williams averaged 23.4 points on 56% shooting against the Grizzlies while Desmond Bane averaged 15.3 points on 31.7% shooting against the Thunder. Chet Holmgren averaged 18.5 points and 7.8 rebounds on 44% shooting against the Grizzlies while Jaren Jackson Jr. averaged 16 points and 5.0 rebounds on 37.9% shooting against the Thunder.
If anyone wonders why Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. have taken the brunt of the criticisms following the Grizzlies' first-round series sweep, look no further than their lost matchups above. In the Thunder's series against the Nuggets so far, Jalen Williams is averaging 16.5 points on 33.6% shooting.
After scoring at least 20 in all four games against the Grizzlies, Williams has only scored over that once in their six games against the Nuggets. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray is averaging 21.5 points on 40.9% shooting against the Thunder. Simply put, the Grizzlies are lacking the second and third options that will step up in playoff-caliber moments
Memphis has to consider shaking things up at the top half of their roster if they want to compete with the best the West has to offer in pivotal moments.