Just a few weeks ago, the Grizzlies found themselves staring at a 4-11 record. Many factors contributed to the slow start, but the Grizzlies appear to be turning the corner. Winners of six of their last eight games, the Grizzlies are trending in the right direction, largely thanks to their recent defensive improvements.
Zach Edey's return transformed the defense
Before Zach Edey's return on November 15 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Grizzlies faced significant struggles on the defensive end. The Grizzlies had a 117.4 defensive rating, which was just the 22nd best in the league. They are also allowing 120.7 points per game, the 21st best in the league. The Grizzlies' early offensive struggles also amplified the defensive issues they were having.
The Grizzlies have significantly improved on the defensive end in the last few weeks. They have the 7th-best defensive rating in the league since Zach Edey made his return. Since November 15, the Grizzlies have allowed just 110.2 points per game, the 4th least in the NBA. The defensive growth has allowed the Grizzlies to start stacking wins recently despite injuries.
Zach Edey's return has been a crucial factor in the Grizzlies' showcasing defensive improvement. The team has an outrageous 95.1 defensive rating when Edey is on the floor. For comparison, the Grizzlies had an 111.5 defensive rating with Edey on the floor last year. Edey is not just evolving into an elite defender, but he is significantly elevating the defensive level of his teammates.
The Grizzlies aren't getting as many blocks and steals, but they have still done well in other key areas. In their last ten games, the Grizzlies' paint defense has been much more disruptive. They are currently giving up 44.4 points in the paint per game, the 5th least in the NBA. In this stretch, the Grizzlies lead the league with 37.3 defensive rebounds per game. They are also limiting teams to just 12.5 second-chance points per game, the 4th best.
The Grizzlies' perimeter defense will have to improve as the season progresses, but they have the personnel to do it. Jaylen Wells is building off his strong defense from last year, and Vince Williams Jr. looks closer to his previous best on defense. Cedric Coward has also shown the tools to be a potentially great defender, even as a rookie.
Despite an injury crisis and a slow start to the season, the Memphis Grizzlies are trending in the right direction. Zach Edey's return has been a major driving force in the Grizzlies' recent turnaround, but other young players are stepping up. Soon, the Grizzlies will have to start beating teams above .500, but the current defensive improvement should likely yield positive results against winning teams.