Memphis Making Noise
Added on Mar 04, 2013 by Scott in
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While teams like Miami, San Antonio and Oklahoma City are stealing most of the NBA headlines, there’s another contender quietly going about their business on a nightly basis. Memphis has won nine of ten games with the only loss coming on the road to the Heat, 98-91 last Friday night. In fact, since shipping leading scorer Rudy Gay to Toronto in a three-way trade five weeks ago, the Grizzlies are 10-4 and climbing the ladder in the Western Conference.
With the exception of Indiana, the Grizz are a stark contrast to the rest of the legit title contenders. They win utilizing the league’s number one defense and a physical starting five that isn’t afraid to crash the glass. Led by the underrated Zach Randolph and the equally unheralded Marc Gasol, Memphis boasts a formidable front court duo.
Head coach Lionel Hollins preaches a balanced attack as evidenced by Sunday’s 108-82 rout of Orlando. Six players finished in double-digits, but none scored more than Tayshaun Prince’s 14. Prince, who was the key acquisition in the Rudy Gay deal, brings a veteran mentality, a proven track record of defense and championship experience, which is something the Grizzlies will need in the postseason.
Gay’s exit sent a clear message that shoot-first guys with defensive deficiencies won’t be tolerated. Whether or not this philosophy is a recipe for success against the powerhouse offenses run by the Thunder, Spurs and Clippers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: whomever they face will have to earn each victory.
Getting into track meet shootouts with opponents obviously won’t increase Memphis’s odds of advancing deep into the playoffs. However, it will be interesting to see how they counter rosters loaded with elite scorers. Can they use strength and tenacity to wear them down? Do they have sufficient depth to shorten the game? Will a lack of three-point prowess be their undoing? Regardless, the Grizzlies are managing to compete by going against the grain.
