10-game performance check
Good and bad about the Grizzlies after 51 games.
The Grizzlies have played 50 games, but here's our 10-game check-up with one extra game.
It turned out necessary as similar issues - both good and bad - came up in a 132-125 loss to the Indiana Pacers Sunday at Fedex Forum. The Grizzlies (2625) are in eighth place in the Western Conference standings entering Monday's game against Chicago.
Here's what I like and don't like after 51 games of the season
What I like: Jonas Valanciunas' steady play
It's weird that a player averaging a double-double is underrated but that's where Jonas Valanciunas stands in today's NBA. That's also why I appreciate him.
Valanciunas has 21 consecutive games with at least 10 rebounds and ranks third in the NBA in rebounding (12.7 per game). The Grizzlies are making a concerted effort to start games going inside to him and it's usually paid off.
True, he's a defensive liability and won't be a consistent jump shooter. But as Sunday's 34-point, 22-rebound performance showed, his old-school, physical play has been as important as anybody keeping the Grizzlies in the playoff race.
What I don't like: The Winslow dilemma
Sunday brought news that Justise Winslow will return to the Grizzlies by the end of the week. But it's a reminder if he's done enough to warrant the team picking up his $13 million club option for next season.
In 16 games, Winslow's been a good defender and another facilitator. His elbow jumper is reliable. But he's a liability shooting 34.2% from the field and 12.2% on 3-pointers.
Do his strengths outweigh his weaknesses? He hasn't played like a potential starter but he's also still getting his legs back after not playing in over a year. Is it enough to bring him back or find a cheaper, more effective player?
Obviously Winslow loves Memphis and the front office values him. But when he returns, it's something to watch.
What I like: The 3-point resurgence
Don't call them the Golden State Grizzlies but there's a change in the Grizzlies' atmosphere. Mainly, a lot more April rain.
The Grizzlies are shooting 42.8% on 3-pointers this month. It's been fun to watch the volume of shots increase but more because a good number are going in. Otherwise, it'd be just another team embracing more shots without the payoff.
I appreciate it also because it hints at the balance these Grizzlies could reach. They're a great defensive team and have a dominant post presence in Valanciunas. But this offense looks much better seeing De'anthony Melton, Desmond Bane, Grayson Allen lead the 3-point charge.
This hot streak might be a spring fling but it could also be permanent once injured Jaren Jackson Jr. returns at the end of the month and adds his volume shooting.
What I don't like: Losing close games
The Grizzlies gained good experience playing close games against good teams. But every so often, it'd help if they could win one of those games.
Whether it's missed free throws, bad execution or other teams making plays, the Grizzlies haven't thrown many knockout punches lately.
Losses to the Bucks, Nuggets, Jazz, Knicks and Pacers all suffered from – among other things – lack of a finishing kick.
Growth isn't easy. It's bitter. It's amazing that the NBA'S youngest team is holding their own in these fights. But while losses are lessons, they're still losses. Winning some these games would be just as helpful.
What I like: Third quarter adjustments
Young teams usually don't make second half adjustments as well as the Grizzlies do. Veteran teams adjust and separate themselves. The Grizzlies are showing signs of being ahead of the curve.
They're third in the NBA in both third quarter scoring and net rating. We've joked about “Third Quarter Ja” but Ja Morant usually leads the charge as the Atlanta Hawks and Knicks found out last week. Throw in Dillon Brooks and Allen's big scoring quarters last week and its contagious.
I like it because again, it's wisdom in a young team understanding what to do and a young coach in Taylor Jenkins seeing what needs to change. There's room to improve but the third quarter performances have been fun and optimistic to see.
What I don't like: Upcoming schedule
Beginning Monday, the Grizzlies will play 10 consecutive games against playoff contenders. For all the progress they've made this season, this is where it'll be tested the most.
If this was a veteran team, you say bring it on and take what you get. But for a team still building an identity, I don't like it because it could make people forget what they've done before. It'll highlight their flaws and show their youth instead of their potential.
As I've written before, there's good odds they'll remain in the playoff race because of their competition's tougher schedule.
But I still don't like how brutal this stretch is even though it's been expected for over a month.