Entering the NBA All-Star Break on a seven-game winning streak would have been a fantastic scenario for the Grizzlies. Unfortunately, the Portland Trailblazers had different plans, dishing Memphis a 123-119 defeat Wednesday. Were the Grizzlies outplayed on their home court? Yes, they were. Does that change the narrative heading into All-Star Weekend? No, not at all.
Even great teams lose games from time to time. Regardless of the outcome, Memphis remains the more-skilled team. With that in mind, shouldn’t that have translated into a Grizzlies win? Sure, but superior teams occasionally underperform or run into a hot opponent, regardless of talent level. That was the case in the game against Portland.
Essentially dominating opponents before Wednesday, the Grizzlies were due a “taste of reality” game. Portland was more than happy to hand it to them.
At 41-19, Memphis possesses a firm hold on third place in the Western Conference while making the second-place Golden State Warriors nervously look over their shoulder.
What Ankle Soreness?
Ja Morant missed Tuesday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans due to ankle soreness. Playing Wednesday, Morant’s status still remained questionable prior to tip-off. If his ankle still bothered him against Portland, Morant did a remarkable job pretending he was at full-health.
Going 55% from the field, Morant scored a game-high 44 points, while also registering 11 assists. In a game filled with fouls, he connected on 21 of his 25 free throws, going 85% from the charity stripe.
Playing in just two of Memphis’s three games this week, Morant still took home the crown as the Grizzlies most dominant player. Averaging 35 points and 8.5 assists per contest, Morant brings Memphis to another level of dominance when he is on the court. Although he may not be at the top of anyone’s MVP ballot, continued play at this level may make him harder to ignore, at least in the top-three conversation.
Luckily, the Grizzlies could count on others to fill the void Morant left while resting his ankle Tuesday.
No Morant, No Problem
One of Memphis’s biggest strengths this season is their organizational depth. When significant pieces to the picture miss action, they immediately embrace the “next man up” mentality and keep hopes alive.
In Tuesday’s game against the Pelicans, backup point guard Tyus Jones answered the bell in Morant’s absence. Registering 27 points and nine assists, Jones put together a career-night, shouldering the load and leading the Grizzlies to their sixth-straight victory.
.@1Tyus scored a career-high 27 points tonight at New Orleans, helping the @memgrizz win for the ninth time in their last 10 games. pic.twitter.com/qGfN1X6Drw
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) February 16, 2022
Of course, the focus right now in Memphis is on the rest of this season and making an extended playoff run. Still, the pending offseason decision regarding Jones provides both intrigue and uncertainty. Ideally, the Grizzlies prefer extending their reliable and effective backup point guard. Unfortunately, his role on the roster comes with a clear ceiling due Morant’s presence. Memphis should have a number they are willing to pay Jones but likely won’t budge. There is a good chance another team is out there willing to provide Jones a starting job and more money. If that is the case, Jones is right to accept the offer. At the same time, Memphis is right to let him walk.
With such a high success rate with its bench players, the Grizzlies will likely find themselves in this situation a few times. For now, it is a good problem to have. The key is to capitalize while these players remain on the roster.
The Grizzlies Unsung Hero
When your team consists of two young stars like Moran and Jaren Jackson Jr., and a promising sharpshooter like Desmond Bane, it’s easy for big men such as Steven Adams to get lost in the mix. However, it is unfair to ignore his value to this Grizzlies team.
Not a prolific scorer, Adams does all the little things right. He currently leads the entire NBA in both offensive rebounds and offensive rebound percentage. Adams also consistently displays signs of an effective distributor, averaging over four assists per 36 minutes and factoring into 15.7% of Memphis’s total assist numbers.
Steven Adams finds Brandon Clarke cutting to the rim for the slam!
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2022
Watch the @memgrizz on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/oz9UCQxdQa pic.twitter.com/WuRoHkGpOy
Yes, a team succeeds depends a great deal on it star power. At the same time, it also depends on it glue guys who are willing to do the things that don’t shine on a stat sheet. Adams is one of those guys on the Grizzlies, making him a fantastic addition this past offseason.
What’s Next?
For a majority of the Grizzlies roster, this next week (or so) is all about resting up for the home stretch and postseason. For Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, they will partake in this weekend’s all-star festivities before joining their teammates in some rest and relaxation.
The Grizzlies return to action next Thursday, travelling to Minnesota to take on Timberwolves. Then they head to Chicago Saturday for a showdown against the Bulls.
For more NBA content, please follow me on Twitter. Also, please follow Belly Up Sports for all the latest sports news.
