Memphis Grizzlies Primed To Compete For NBA Title This Season
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
After last night’s demolition of the Houston Rockets who are now 9-2, the Memphis Grizzlies became the best team in league at 10-1. The game was not even close and showed many flaws with the Rockets, but it also showed what the Grizzlies have improved on during the offseason.
The Grizzlies have always been known for their defense, and the 21 turnovers by the Rockets are an example of their stingy play. Their addition of Courtney Lee adds to their defensive prowess, adding to the perimeter defense that Tony Allen, Mike Conley and Tayshaun Prince pride themselves in. This makes it even more difficult for teams to get inside to the paint. but who wants to get into the paint amongst the trees they have anyways?
With Marc Gasol being one of the best centers in the league and anchoring their team defense, it is very tough to convert at the rim. With Zach Randolph helping on the boards and Kosta Koufos taking up space down low, the Grizzlies have great team defense — which is crucial once playoffs come and the game slows down.
This year they may have enough firepower to get past the second round, as their offensive game has always been the Grizzlies Achilles’ heel. This year, they have scored over 100 points in five of their 11 games, partly due to the addition of veteran leader Vince Carter has helped spread the floor for the Grizzlies. With him on the floor, it allows for more room for the big men to work. Lee’s recent shooting hot-streak has also allowed to spread the floor, shooting 62.1 percent from three so far this season. The added shooting and the increased passing have the Grizzlies in mid-season form already and hopefully, barring ay injuries, the Grizzlies will be coming out of the Western Conference this year.
Michael Ivey is a blogger with Rant Sports. Follow Michael on twitter @iveyleague10, add him on Google and like his Facebook Page.
5 Players Warriors Should Target Before Deadline
The Warriors are 29-5, but in the incredibly competitive Western Conference, you always need to look for ways to improve. Read More
Dwyane Wade Shouldn't Lead Heat In Scoring
Everyone said Dwyane Wade was on his last legs, but the veteran currently leads the Miami Heat in scoring, even ahead of Chris Bosh. However, the Heat star should not be the high scorer. Read More
Whitesde Could Become Heat's Starting Center
The Miami Heat need to reevaluate their starting center position, and Hassan Whiteside is clearly the best option going forward. See why here. Read More
Examining Why Pistons Should Give Monroe Max Deal
Why must the Detroit Pistons offer Greg Monroe the max this offseason if they want to hang on to him? Find out here. Read More
Jackson Takes Blame For Knicks' Disastrous Season
New York Knicks president Phil Jackson is right to take blame for the team's disastrous season. Read More
Spencer Hawes Remains Clippers' X-Factor
Spencer Hawes has certainly disappointed so far in his short time with the Los Angeles Clippers, but he remains their X-factor in regards to their success the rest of the season, and in the playoffs. Read More
Time To Shake Up The Heat Roster
The latest Miami Heat dilemma centers around if Pat Riley’s next move will be the right move. Read More
Wizards Seraphin Shows His Solidarity for Paris 12
Political messages in sports can often backfire, but recent t-shirts worn by NBA players hit the right chords with fans, including Washington Wizards F Kevin Seraphin. Read More
Warriors Glad They Kept Klay Thompson
The Golden State Warriors seriously considered including Klay Thompson in a trade for Kevin Love this summer, but Thompson has shown that the Warriors made a wise decision. Read More
Lakers Should Sign Ed Davis Quickly
Ed Davis is showing the Los Angeles Lakers his worth. He's been a consistent player this season for Los Angeles. The Lakers should not let Davis hit free agency next season. Read More
Wizards, Wall Expose Bulls' Shortcomings
It's far from over for the Chicago Bulls, but Friday's undressing by the Washington Wizards prove the Bulls' frontcourt is severely lacking. Read More
Better Starts Will Help the Detroit Pistons
After going down by 23, the Detroit Pistons fought back and nearly completed an incredible comeback, but a stronger start would have won them the game -- an issue that needs to be fixed. Read More