After beginning last week with their worst performance of the season in a 37-point loss at the New York Knicks, the Memphis Grizzlies rebounded in a way that should surprise no one. Two national TV games against high-level competition brought the best out of the Grizzlies despite losing Ja Morant to another shoulder injury in practice last Wednesday.
The Grizzlies avoided a season sweep by the Houston Rockets by scoring the last six points of their TNT battle on Thursday to win 120-119. After making the game-winning free throws against the Rockets, Jaren Jackson Jr. continued his dominance of the Milwaukee Bucks by scoring 37 points to lead the Grizzlies to a come-from-behind win at Milwaukee 132-119.
Subsequently, the Grizzlies now find themselves back in the number two seed position in the Western Conference standings after Houston's loss to the Brooklyn Nets over the weekend. Memphis' successful week wasn't enough to push them higher in the power rankings but it helped them avoid a drop after their embarrassing defeat to begin the week.
NBA.com: 5th
Not only did the Grizzlies remain at their number five spot in the new NBA power rankings, but every team in the top 10 didn't move either, including the same New York Knicks team that beat them by 37 points last week. The Knicks are directly below the Grizzlies at number six for the second consecutive week.
Outside of their beatdown in New York last Monday, the Grizzlies have won their other eight games played outside of that one since January 15th. Their record in close games has risen to 10-11 after winning four straight games that were within five points in the last five minutes.
Their defense has been their calling card in clutch situations as they rank third in the NBA in clutch defense with a rating of 101.4 in clutch situations. Memphis is improving on its weaknesses in clutch situations and wins over other good teams, which is a good sign as the NBA All-Star break nears.
ClutchPoints: 5th
The Grizzlies dropped from fourth to fifth in the ClutchPoints power rankings but they fell behind the team they lost to last week in the New York Knicks. They also are ahead of the team they beat last week in the Houston Rockets as they fell from third to sixth.
The Grizzlies' success without Ja Morant is relevant as their two wins came without him last week. As the team monitors his latest setback, the trade deadline can provide an opportunity for the team to make the move that will have them competing for the top spot on these lists soon.