The Grizzlies kept their hopes of competing for the NBA Cup alive after their come-from-behind win on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thanksgiving Eve. Zach Edey, specifically, was special in a performance that made NBA history with the highest plus/minus mark by a player in a game decided by 5 points or less (+39).
His presence has helped the Grizzlies win three of their last four games, and none of the five games he has played significant minutes in has resulted in a negative plus/minus with him on the court. The Grizzlies are 3-3 since his return, and 3-2 in the games he finished (missed one game after leaving in the first quarter).
Edey's impact has not only provided rejuvenation to a once-dejected Grizzlies team, but it is placing him in a position to become a franchise cornerstone player. The Grizzlies are a better team when Edey is playing, and their play since he has returned has proven just that.
Does Edey hold the keys for a Grizzlies turnaround?
The answer to that question appears to be a resounding yes! The team immediately gained an edge that was missing throughout their first 13 games without him in the lineup. Zach Edey has shifted the culture of a team that didn't appear to have one as they tried to navigate through their early stretch with make-shift pieces.
Zach Edey posted his second double-double of the season with a season-high 21 points, tied for a season-high 15 rebounds, and two blocks against the Pelicans. Not including his shortened game against the Nuggets, Memphis has averaged 15.4 offensive rebounds per game and has outrebounded opponents by an average of 12.8 per game since Edey made his season debut on November 15th.
It is fair to argue that the Grizzlies could've pulled off a victory over the Denver Nuggets if Edey hadn't left after playing only six minutes with a migraine. He's been that good for the Grizzlies, and a bit of a surprise considering the time he missed in offseason workouts and training camp due to rehab of his surgically repaired ankle.
The 7'4" second-year big man was expected to take a leap this season, and has taken off out of the gate. The Grizzlies desperately needed a spark, especially considering the injuries they have suffered at the point guard position. Edey continues to be the bright spot who is bringing the team one step closer to becoming a true competitor in the Western Conference.