Even with Ja Morant (10), Desmond Bane (seven) and Marcus Good (10) lacking a piece of video games to this point, the Grizzlies have stayed above water with a powerful 12-7 report. And now that they are practically wholesome and complete once more, Memphis is firing on all cylinders.
Of their ongoing four-game winning streak, the Grizzlies are averaging 128.3 factors and 33.3 assists at 52/42/77 capturing splits. Head coach Taylor Jenkins’ crew has been scoring in bunches by committee, with as many as eight gamers averaging in double digits.
The emergence of Scotty Pippen Jr. as a backup ground normal and scorer has given Memphis a powerful four-man guard rotation and a number of high quality bigs resembling Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke.
The Grizzlies are considerably undersized on the wings, however Jekins’ determination to begin Jackson and Clarke — two versatile huge males — has lent switchability to the perimeter protection. Whereas Jaylen Wells has made the three-spot his personal, Memphis may finally begin Bane at small ahead in the event that they go together with the Morant and Good backcourt.
Because of all of the accidents, Jenkins has used as much as 10 different starting units already, but it surely seems he will likely be trotting Jackson, Clarke, Wells, Bane and Morant for now, with Good coming off the bench. That unit has been wonderful in its restricted time collectively, particularly on protection. One of many deepest and most proficient groups within the NBA, the Grizzlies have the luxurious of bringing Good, Aldama, Edey, Pippen Jr., Luke Kennard and different high quality function gamers off the bench.
Memphis checks each field for a title contender. It boasts of the celebrity go-to possibility, two ex-Defensive Participant of the 12 months winners, a number of playmakers, shooters and a deep bench. Its 25-year-old defensive ace, Jackson Jr., is having fun with a profession yr as a scorer and main the crew in factors.
It is simple to overlook that this crew received 50-plus video games for 2 consecutive seasons earlier than its injury-ravaged 2023-24 marketing campaign. Morant and Co. have been subsequent in line within the West however have been placed on the again burner for a few of their very own doing. The Grizzlies appear poised to announce themselves once more.