One stat that proves the Memphis Grizzlies are title contenders
With just 10 games remaining in the regular season, the Memphis Grizzlies (49-23) have put together an outstanding body of work on the year. Currently in possession of the NBA’s second-best record, the Grizzlies have outperformed analysts’ preseason expectations thus far. When NBA talking heads bring up the Grizzlies, it’s almost always the same conversation […]
With just 10 games remaining in the regular season, the Memphis Grizzlies (49-23) have put together an outstanding body of work on the year. Currently in possession of the NBA’s second-best record, the Grizzlies have outperformed analysts’ preseason expectations thus far.
When NBA talking heads bring up the Grizzlies, it’s almost always the same conversation centered around the team’s superstar point guard Ja Morant. NBA legends from far and wide have showered Morant with praise throughout his breakout season – one in which he is averaging 27.6 PPG to go along with 5.7 RPG and 6.7 APG.
Morant has made himself impossible to ignore. Whether it’s a dunk that leaves the entire building speechless, a miraculous shot at the buzzer, or a three from the logo, Morant has done it all when he has been on the floor this season.
However, what hasn’t been discussed nearly enough is what the Grizzlies have been able to do without its star point guard. Without Morant in the lineup, Memphis holds a remarkable 14-2 record on the year.
The Grizzlies aren’t just beating these teams either. Eleven of the team’s 14 wins without Morant have come by double digits and five by 20+ points. If Taylor Jenkins wasn’t already a frontrunner for Coach of the Year based on Memphis’ record, this statistic alone should put him ahead of the pack.
The supporting cast for the Grizzlies has been better than advertised. Shooting guard Desmond Bane has taken massive strides in his second season in the NBA as Memphis’ second-leading scorer (17.9 PPG). Jaren Jackson Jr., who has struggled with injuries in past seasons, has started in 71 of a possible 72 games, averaging 16.4 PPG and 5.9 RPG.
Memphis has been without Dillon Brooks (17.7 PPG) for most of the season, but the team’s best perimeter scorer and a valuable defender made his return just over one week ago. Role players such as Brandon Clarke, De’Anthony Melton, and Tyus Jones have provided offensive insurance off the bench when called upon.
In Sunday’s lopsided win over the Houston Rockets, a whopping six players scored in double figures for the Grizzlies further proving that depth is one of this team’s biggest strengths.
There is no question that Memphis is a far superior team with Morant on the floor, but to be able to take care of business in his absence is the true mark of a title contender. With the NBA Playoffs on the horizon, it is crucial to have a capable supporting cast should Morant ever falter.
Featured image via Troy Taormina – USA TODAY Sports
