Grizzlies’ defense needs more intensity, better luck
Opponents are shooting 13% better than the league average from 3-point range during the Grizzlies’ losing streak.
Opponents are shooting 13% better than the league average from 3-point range during the Grizzlies’ losing streak.
Feb. 8, 2021: Raptors 128, Grizzlies 113
Desmond Bane made his first start, and Jonas Valanciunas had 27 points and 20 rebounds in the loss.Related story
The Grizzlies will be without Brandon Clarke and De’Anthony Melton against the Toronto Raptors Monday night at FedExForum.
Beyond the frustration, the Grizzlies guard Morant also is missing some of his usual partners in the team’s lineups.
Feb. 6, 2021: Pelicans 118, Grizzlies 109
Related article: Grizzlies lose third straight as Pelicans surge late
Jonas Valanciunas had 23 points and seven rebounds in his return from COVID-19.
It’s a brief one, but Memphis takes the day to go over defense before heading to New Orleans.
The loss can’t take away from the growing signs of promise.
Feb. 4, 2021: Rockets 115, Grizzlies 103
The Rockets made 19 3-pointers, and the Grizzlies’ starters were held to 20 of 55 shooting from the floor. Box score: Houston 115, Memphis 103
Ja Morant showed off his show collection on Instagram Wednesday night.
The team also has announced a number of initiatives to celebrate Black History Month.
Feb. 2, 2021: Pacers 134, Grizzlies 116
Memphis, playing the second game of a back-to-back, fell behind from the start. Related story: Box score: Pacers 134, Grizzlies 116
Circumstances that need to be weighed include two unpopular trades, injuries and the playoff opponents.
Feb. 1, 2021: Grizzlies 133, Spurs 102
Gorgui Dieng led with 19 points and went 3-for-3 from 3-point range, and the bench accounted for 62 points.
Justise Winslow hasn’t played a game in a Memphis uniform since the team traded for him over a year ago, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is taking longer to recovery from his knee surgery than he hoped. But the latest update is positive.
Another Grizzlies starter, Jaren Jackson Jr., who had meniscus surgery, will spend the month ramping up for a return to play, according to a league source.
Here also is a compare-and-contrast injury evaluation for Jaren Jackson Jr. and Justise Winslow.
The Grizzlies returned from their 12-day absence with a vengeance. Ja Morant led the way yet again.
Jan. 30, 2021: Grizzlies 129, Spurs 112
The Grizzlies returned from their COVID-19 pause with red-hot shooting.
As Brooks has struggled in a shooting slump, he also has improved his assist rate and slightly decreased his foul percentage.