Memphis Grizzlies – Grit ‘N Grind
It is rarely pretty, but there is a reason that pundits consistently mention the Grizzlies as a big-time contender in the West.
They are really good.
Memphis plays down to their competition at times, leaving their net rating (+2.7 points per 100) looking somewhat run-of-the-mill, but the Grizzlies are a 50-win club. Mike Conley and Marc Gasol form an incredible duo on both ends, with elite defense and the definition of “crafty” offense, while Zach Randolph does serious damage on the offensive end by dominating around the rim.
Defense is, and will always be, the calling card for the Grizz, though, and that is the Tony Allen influence. “Grit ‘N Grind” has been the movement for some time, but Allen is operating at a DPOY level this season, and with Gasol behind him, the athletic shooting guard is given the freedom to hound ball-handlers with relentless energy.
Memphis is a team that is capable of rising to the tide of the playoffs, and they are certainly able to hold the trophy in June.
Next: Miami