Bench boosts Grizzlies in early going

So far, different players have been stepping up

There's a long way to go. But, at least for now, this Grizzlies team is beginning to hone in on an identity.

"We've, obviously, probably got seven guys that are healthy right now that are going to play consistently," Grizzlies coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "Then from there, it's going to be on a need basis, and that's the good thing about having our depth. Whatever we need on a given night, we can pull that from our bench."

That was the theme in the locker room after the Grizzlies' win over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.

For Memphis (4-2) to be successful this season, it starts with getting the usual contributions from reliable stalwarts Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, but it also hinges on its defensively minded, offensively capable bench.

Last week, in a win against Phoenix, it was MarShon Brooks coming off the bench for 18 points. On Tuesday, it was Shelvin Mack playing nearly 30 minutes and scoring 14.

"It's a long season, and at some point in time, everyone is going to get a shot at it, and it's just a matter of guys being ready when their number is called," Bickerstaff said.

Mack, in particular, has found his role as one of Memphis' most reliable

substitutions. Although he has yet to start, he has logged the fourth-most minutes on the team.

The eight-year veteran has distributed the ball more efficiently than any Grizzly, leading the team in assist-toturnover ratio at 4.0, ranking 12th in the NBA in that category.

"I'm getting comfortable with these guys," Mack said. "I'm watching film on off days, seeing where guys like the ball. Just getting in the groove and getting some confidence."

He also has given Conley some requisite rest in Conley's return from a heel injury that cut his 2017-18 season short by 70 games.

"With everybody that's able to handle the ball, it relieves a lot of the pressure," Conley said. "I don't have to be constantly looking to attack, constantly in action or constantly being put back into the game. It allows me to keep my fresh legs longer as I get my conditioning back."

The Grizzlies' substitutes have combined to outscore their opponents' benches 97-70 in their past two games. The only win in which Memphis' reserves did not outscore the opposing group was at Utah.

But it's on the defensive end where Memphis' depth has given the team its biggest lift.

The Grizzlies lead the NBA in turnovers forced and steals.

It's something Conley has pointed to after the past two Grizzlies victories when Memphis made big runs with several bench players on the floor.

"We are happy with what we have accomplished so far," Conley said. "But when we get deeper in the schedule and play some of the top-tier teams, we will really get to see where we are defensively, especially on the road."

Even second-year forward Ivan Rabb has made an impact recently. Rabb did not play in Memphis' first four games but has made two appearances while rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. battles foul trouble.

Rabb averaged 14.3 minutes and 5.6 points for the Grizzlies last season.

"The confidence that we're building in one another – we can see when we do the right things, and when we're all tied together, the type of team we can become," Gasol said.