Strengthened Backcourt Key to Memphis Grizzlies’ Undefeated Start
By Shane Phillips
@ShaneRantSports
Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
The Memphis Grizzlieshave jumped out to a franchise best 6-0 start after defeating a deflated and beaten Oklahoma City Thunder team, 91-89. Similar to the last few NBA seasons, the key to Memphis’ success has been the powerful duo in Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. However, what has brought the Grizzlies over the top has been a strengthened backcourt with the addition of Courtney Lee.
Alongside Mike Conley, Lee is averaging 16 PTS on 60 percent shooting. Conley is averaging over 15 PTS and six AST and has truly become a leader at the point. In the past, Conley has not had a complementary guard playing in the backcourt with him, but Lee seems to have filled that void.
The Western Conference is tough and it very well could take 50 wins to make the playoffs. For whatever reason, Memphis has not gotten much attention over the years, but with the rebirth of Randolph, the emergence of Gasol, the maturity of Conley and the addition of Lee, the Grizzlies are a real threat out of the West.
Along with Lee proving to be a great offseason acquisition, Memphis has also bolstered its defense. The team is giving up a league-best 86 PPG and has only given up more than 100 PTS once. The improved defense has been a collected effort led by Tony Allen, who is averaging 2.4 STL, and Gasol, who is averaging 1.4 BLK.
This team has been on the rise and letting Lionel Hollins go after a run to the 2013 Western Conference Finals has proven to be a good decision. The frontcourt has been one of the best in the league, but now it looks like the backcourt is catching up.
Shane Phillips is an NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].
Ingles a Steadying Force For Jazz Bench
He's not just there to hold Dante Exum's hand. Joe Ingles has improved the Utah Jazz bench. Read More
Video: Tim Duncan Explodes With Excitement
In the latest Foot Locker commercial, Tim Duncan explodes with excitement after receiving some great news from Derrick Rose. Read More
10 Best NBA Players Stuck On Awful Teams
The NBA is full of stars, from the best teams in the league to the worst. Who are the 10 best players that play for teams among the worst? Read More
5 NBA Teams That Should Trade For Kenneth Faried
After a report said that Kenneth Faried was not “well liked in the organization,” he could be on the move. If that is the case, here are five teams that should trade for Faried. Read More
Jason Collins to Announce Retirement From NBA
Jason Collins, who was the first openly gay athlete in North America's four major sports leagues, will announce his retirement from the NBA on Wednesday. Read More
Heat Need Ennis and Napier To Continue Balling
James Ennis and Shabazz Napier need to keep playing at a high level for the Miami Heat. Read More
Grizzlies Are Title Contenders This Season
The Memphis Grizzlies are proving that they are true title contenders this season. Read More
10 NBA Teams That Are Already Looking To 2015-16
The 2014-15 NBA season is just a few weeks in, but some teams are already looking forward to next year. Read More
Lakers Should Stay Away From Tyrus Thomas
Amid the worst start in franchise history, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to work out Tyrus Thomas on Thursday. The maligned forward would add athleticism but little else to a desperate frontcourt. Read More
Heat Rookies Earning Their Keep
Unexpected help from three rookies is helping the Miami Heat. Read More
Lakers' Kobe Bryant Has Earned High Shot Output
Taking a look at Kobe Bryant's start to the season and defending why he should be allowed to shoot as much as he wants at this point in his career. Read More
Houston Rockets Shouldn't Pursue Corey Brewer
The Houston Rockets should step back and allow the Cleveland Cavaliers to acquire swingman Corey Brewer. Read More