Are the Grizzlies for real? The short answer is yes, they are.
They are a perfect 10-0 against Western Conference teams, with convincing wins over the Clippers, Trailblazers, and the Rockets. Marc Gasol has scored game-high points in 7 of the games they have played so far. Zach Randolph has rebounded game high rebounds in 9 of those games, and Tony Allen continues to play excellent defense, typically while matching up against the opposing team’s scorer. Balanced scoring and solid rotation has eased the load off their starters. What does all this mean? Memphis is playing excellent team ball, and they are dominating doing so.
Gasol has been on a tear, posting 20.2 points per game to go with a PER of 23.43, along with Randolph, who consistently has his double-double nights. Like seasons before, no other front court in the league can handle this pair of big men. However, a weakness in their rotation has always been in their long distance shooting, with only Mike Conley able to pose a threat (if much at all) to the defense. This year, Conley and Courtney Lee have been shooting 44% and 55% from 3, respectively. There has been strong contributions from the bench as well, with Beno Udrih, Vince Carter, and Jon Leuer each an integral part of coach Joerger’s plans.
Strangely, this team does not seem to be much different from the team last year. How then, is a roster comprised of mostly the same players from the previous season sitting atop the stacked Western Conference?
There is the improved play and leadership of Gasol, no doubt. The contribution from the bench is also unquestionable. Perhaps the greatest improvement for the Grizzlies has been the time spent playing together. Last season, Lee joined the team midway through the year in a 3-team trade, while Allen and Gasol both missed about 20 games due to injury. Some minor role-players were also traded away. Now showing consistency in executing plays and showing great team chemistry, the Grizzlies appear to be a legitimate threat in the West this year.
It is only a question of how long the Grizzlies can sustain their great play. Injuries have always hurt the team to an extent; Gasol and Allen, the most injury-prone players from the roster, have looked healthy up to this point. The closest games, including the two losses against Milwaukee and Toronto, have come from limited production from the reserves, in addition to playing catch-up after bad shooting in the first quarter or two.
If the Grizzlies can come out strong the first half and maintain leads, all teams should fear this small-market team on a night-in and night-out basis.
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