Grizzlies emphasizing physicality ahead of series vs. Timberwolves
The Memphis Grizzlies have Built Ford Tough signs and patches all around the Fedexforum.
Even though that's courtesy of a partnership with Ford, it blends well with the mentality Taylor Jenkins wants his team to have ahead of their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The playoff series between the Grizzlies and Timberwolves begins Saturday (2:30 p.m., ESPN).
Minnesota is physical. Players like Patrick Beverley and Jared Vanderbilt do the defensive dirty work while Karl Anthony-towns, D'angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards do most of the scoring.
The Grizzlies are physical too, and imposing that strength is an emphasis.
“Just trying to do it for long periods of time, both on the defensive end and offensive end,” Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks said of being physical. “Getting into guys, using your body more. There's going to be more fatigue. (Physicality) is how you wear guys down and win championships.”
Physicality starts with Brooks. He's the heart and soul of the Grizzlies and prioritizes bringing the energy and hustle to every game.
Brooks missed each of the four meetings this season with the Timberwolves, but he's expected to guard Russell, Edwards or both. The teams split the four regular-season meetings. Russell averaged 31 points in the four meetings and Edwards averaged 21.3.
“(Brooks) is going to get opportunities on a number of different guys,” Jenkins
said. (Brooks) is going to have a lot of versatility, a lot of opportunities out there.”
Stopping star players on the Timberwolves side is important, but getting Ja Morant going against Minnesota may be just as crucial. He's averaging 20 points, 6.5 assists and 5.5 rebounds in four games against the Wolves this season. His 33.8% shooting from the field and 15% on 3-pointers are well below his averages.
Morant should have better scoring opportunities. According to Nba.com, Morant shot a combined 14 of 24 and scored 32 points while being guarded by Russell and Towns in switches.
The Timberwolves and Clippers are top-five in the NBA in pace, points scored, steals and blocks. A lot of this
series will be strength vs. strength.
That's where the mental side comes into play. Beverley plays the villain role for the Timberwolves, and Brooks is that guy for Memphis.
The chances of both or one of them setting the tone with their energy in Game 1 is likely. Even if it results in a technical foul.
Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was asked about the over/under on technical fouls for Beverley and Brooks. He's not expecting either player to come out playing nice.
“They'll each probably get a total of three each,” Clarke said.
Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@ commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc