Nov 16, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) reacts after being fouled as forward Zach Randolph looks on in the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
5th: Memphis Grizzlies (31 points)
By Jeff Nisius
Record: 7-7
Record last week: 3-1
The defense has been suspect, but the offense continues to score points, especially after acquiring Mario Chalmers as the backup point guard.
A four-game winning streak was snapped by the Spurs, but that is about as surprising as the sun rising. Perhaps the Grizzlies need to get back to business by focusing on controlling the pace, playing tough defense and controlling the glass.
Regardless, slow starts by Courtney Lee and Jeff Green have impacted the team’s success and forced Dave Joerger to rely on Marc Gasol and Mike Conley far too much already. Luckily, the Grizzlies are in a division with two under performing teams (Rockets and Pelicans) and have a history of overcoming slow starts and injuries to turn back into the powerful team they actually are.
By Jose Salviati:
The Grizzlies are dangerously close to falling into Spurs territory. No Grizz fan I do not mean that in the sense of this team being perennial contender for the Larry O’Brien trophy. I don’t mean they have coaching that is well above the norm in the NBA. They are approaching Spurs like status in that they seem to be winning when it makes no sense for them to be winning. The Spurs have defied the odds and Father Time for years, now the Grizzlies seem to be playing good basketball when they looked to be at the end of their window.
A great indicator of the magic of Grizzlies basketball is their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 15. Despite the Wolves having the leading scorer, rebounder and assists man in that game, the Grizz won. Smoke and mirrors seemed to be in play. They then went on to beat the Thunder and Rockets but ended the week with a loss to their doppelganger, the Spurs. Led by the aging but effective (another Spur-ism) Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies march on. A 3-1 week propels them up our Western Conference rankings.
Next: Dallas Mavericks