Grizzlies shining in summer league
LAS VEGAS — The old-fashioned, grit-and-grind style is on the way out in Memphis, and a modern "pace and space" system installed by firstyear Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins is taking its place. But old habits die hard. Through three games in the Las Vegas summer league, the Grizzlies have used defense to stymie opponents on the way to a 3-0 record and a tie for first in the standings.
Entering Thursday's showdown against 3-0 Boston (9:30 p.m. CT, ESPN2) that will conclude pool play, the Grizzlies have allowed just 73 points per game in Las Vegas.
Games are just 40 minutes long compared to NBA regular-season games, which are 48 minutes long. But the Grizzlies are allowing 3.7 fewer points per game than the nextbest defensive team in Las Vegas, which is the New Orleans Pelicans.
"I just want our guys keeping focus on developing an identity of who we want to be, how we want to compete defensively and how we want to play together and unselfishly offensively," Jenkins said after a 79-69 win over Phoenix on Tuesday.
The Grizzlies' undefeated start in Las Vegas and 5-1 overall record in summer league games are more of a byproduct than by design.
As Jenkins is beginning to implement the basics of his scheme, building a culture is a higher priority than chasing a summer league title.
"Honestly, it's really focused on us," Jenkins said. "Whatever happens, the results will be what they are."
Best players?
The Grizzlies are relying on No. 21 overall pick Brandon Clarke, secondyear NBA player Grayson Allen and returning players Bruno Caboclo and Ivan Rabb.
Others key contributors Dusty Hannahs and Tyler Harvey played for the Memphis Hustle last season
and have brought an offensive punch to the Grizzlies' summer roster.
Two-way players Yuta Watanabe and John Konchar have shined at times, too.
"We have a great group of guys," Konchar said. "The chemistry is really good. This group plays really well. We move the ball."
The top eight teams from the 32team field advance to a single-elimination tournament that begins Friday.
A win Thursday against Boston would guarantee the Grizzlies a spot in the summer league playoffs, and the team still could end up in the bracket even with a loss.
But so far, the wins have come easily, even if they are merely a byproduct of the true goal.
"We talk about competing, getting better, playing the right way every single day," Jenkins said. "But throughout that process, have fun. We're blessed to play basketball, blessed to coach basketball. So I think our guys are buying into the enjoyment of this process. Started it back in Memphis, carried it through Utah and so far, so good here in Vegas."
Reach Grizzlies beat writer David Cobb at david.cobb@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @Davidwcobb.