Memphis Grizzlies Battle Through Adversity but Fall Short Against the Brooklyn Nets
In an arduous contest against the Brooklyn Nets, the Memphis Grizzlies showcased both resilience and vulnerability, ultimately succumbing to a challenging fourth quarter. Starting the quarter trailing by a mere point, the Grizzlies saw the gap rapidly widen to a 13-point deficit within the initial eight minutes. This stark turn of events was compounded by the absence of key players, putting immense pressure on an already stretched roster.
Ja Morant, a pivotal force on the court, was notably absent during much of the crucial stretch. Similarly, Jaren Jackson Jr. was relegated to the bench for over four crucial minutes. The team faced further setbacks as Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart both exited the game early due to injuries—an oblique injury for Bane and a right ankle injury for Smart. These absences left head coach Taylor Jenkins with the challenging task of adjusting his lineup amidst a wave of injuries.
"There's a lot of things on the table. We have guys getting hurt in the middle of the game, so we're having to adjust," Jenkins reflected, acknowledging the fluid and unpredictable nature of the current lineup. "We're having guys out in the starting lineup, in and out, all that, so that kind of changes things."
The Grizzlies’ approach this season has been characterized by experimentation, often employing an 11- or 12-man rotation over their first five games. During a critical segment against Brooklyn, from the 9:20 mark to the 5:58 mark in the game, Memphis deployed an all-bench lineup. This strategy highlights the team's emphasis on depth, yet it also poses challenges in fostering consistency and cohesion on the court.
Throughout these early days of the season, Memphis and the Golden State Warriors stand unique in the league, as neither team averages at least one player with 30 minutes per game. Leading the Grizzlies in playing time, Santi Aldama clocks in at 27.7 minutes per game. Notably, no player on the Memphis roster has crossed the 30-minute threshold in any game this season. This is partly a strategic choice and partly a consequence of handling the rapid succession of games—six within a span of nine days—contributing to a 2-3 start for the team.
"Obviously, it's a process. You got to be smart," Morant shared, highlighting the careful management of player time. "You don't want to go throw me in there for 36 minutes. God willing, nothing happens, but you just got to be smart."
Jenkins has recognized the necessity of a managed return for Morant, who missed part of the preseason. “We're working with him and the medical team about how we want to deploy him over this stretch right now,” Jenkins noted, emphasizing his intent to carefully balance Morant's minutes against the need for his contributions on the floor. “Obviously, he was out for a portion of preseason, so getting his game legs and conditioning right.”
Despite the challenges of balancing player health and competitive playtime, Jenkins remains focused on building team chemistry. “Every game is presenting a new opportunity to try to find chemistry,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to developing a cohesive unit despite the setbacks.
Ranked second in the league for offensive pace, Memphis plays a fast game, driving up the tempo and emphasizing quick transitions. However, the fast pace, combined with the depth-driven rotation strategy, can sometimes strain the players, particularly when key players are sidelined by injuries. Yet, Memphis’s ability to adapt remains a beacon of hope as the season progresses.
The Grizzlies' season trajectory will undoubtedly depend on how they navigate these early challenges, finding harmony amidst the personnel shuffle and striving to integrate skillful execution with strategic rotation. Only time will tell if this balance will transform potential into tangible results on the court.