After winning 13 out of 16 games, the Memphis Grizzlies are 2-2 in their last four games since beginning their five-game West Coast road trip. Following their loss to the Sacramento Kings last night, the Grizzlies look to end their road trip on a positive note against the inconsistent Golden State Warriors tonight.
As Ja Morant remains out with an AC Joint Sprain, a player the Grizzlies will be looking to help lead them is Desmond Bane. The Grizzlies' big three of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane has felt more like a big two for the majority of this season due to Bane's struggles.
He missed seven games early this season due to an oblique strain and took a while to get back to form after returning from the injury. The Grizzlies' new offense provides equal opportunity for all players on the court which led to Bane becoming selfless when he began a game struggling with his shot.
After a three-game stretch in which Desmond Bane scored single-digit points and attempted less than 10 shot attempts at the end of November, the in-season tournament break allowed Bane to rest and get back to rhythm.
Desmond Bane is back!
Despite the Grizzlies' success this season, Bane's performance was noticeable as the team will likely need him to be one of the top three best players on the team when the games get tighter and more important. He was considered a potential All-Star recipient when the season began after averaging a career-high in points and assists last season.
His fall this season has consisted of him averaging the least amount of points (16.5) since his rookie year and shooting his lowest percentage from three (35.3%) in his career. However, his last eight games have been an encouraging sign that he is returning to the Desmond Bane the Grizzlies know he can be.
He is averaging 21.4 points, 6.4 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals on 52.5% shooting from the field, and 42.3% from three. He has had multiple games in that span that he has flirted with a triple-double and figures to eventually get one before the season ends.
His 31-point performance on New Year's Eve against the Phoenix Suns helped the Grizzlies overcome a season-high nine players out to defeat the disappointing Suns. Desmond Bane is one of the best players in the NBA as evidenced by the player rankings before the season, and he is beginning to play up to that standard again.
Whether his struggles were due to his injury, the Grizzlies' new fast-paced offense, shooting struggles, or a mix of all three, the Grizzlies are better off when Bane is playing like he is right now. Expect this version of Desmond Bane to be what the Grizzlies receive for the rest of the season.