Welcome to the Basketball Hangover. I write about what’s happening in the NBA daily, even when COVID has ravaged the league.
The Grizz are over .500 after defeating the Sixers.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images.)
We don’t talk much about the Grizzlies these days. Maybe because we kind of already knew that they weren’t going to surprise anybody this season after what they did last year. Nevertheless, they’re still 8th in the Western Conference, which is a tough thing to do in that side of the NBA.
They defeated the Joel Embiid-less Sixers on Sunday, which is also a difficult thing to do even without their all-star. I just like the fact that Memphis is such a young exuberant group (nobody in their roster is 30 and Grayson Allen is their THIRD oldest at 25). And while this is not your brother’s Grit-N-Grind, this team is 7th in defensive rating (points allowed per possession, ladies and gents).
And it’s a deep team. Taylor Jenkins is not afraid to go to any player on the bench. Xavier Tillman? Sure. John Konchar? Yup. Desmond Bane? Go for it. These aren’t household names to the casual fan but all of them have helped the Grizzlies to victories. The Grizz released Gorgui Dieng, their only player over 30 at the time, to give the younger players more PT.
Ja Morant is still breathtaking. He hasn’t made that leap yet but he’s still an excellent and exciting player. I just love that they’re doing what it takes to get that win. And this young team is almost old-school in a way; they lead the league in two-pointers made and attempted. They are first in steals. They take care of the ball (11th in fewest turnovers). And they don’t foul that much (7th in fewest fouls). Jenkins has this team disciplined and they are so ahead of the curve. Part of me wishes that this team stays together for the long haul.
Right now, they may not win the championship. But if they make the playoffs (here’s hoping), they’re going to give their opponents a scare.
Imagine when they fully mature.
Bullet Passes
The Bulls snapped a 6-game skid by halting the Nets‘ four-game win streak. The injuries have finally caught up to Brooklyn.
It ain’t much of a battle in Los Angeles when the stars aren’t there. The Clippers took care of business, at least. But that also sank the Lakers to the 5th spot.
Because Denver defeated Orlando for their 5th straight win. Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets in scoring against his former team with 24.
Lonzo Ball made a career-best 8 threes. He’s really making a case for a team to sign him in the summer since the Pelicans didn’t extend him. Or maybe they will?
Clint Capela had his 8th 20-15 game of the season. That’s points and rebounds. He got 24 and 18 against the Dubs.
Man. What a final in that NCAA Women’s Hoops tournament. I feel for Arizona. But congrats to Stanford.
NBA Scoreboard
Apr. 4, 2021
Watch This Play
Jeff Green has been an inconsistent player his entire career. But he has been very consistent with the highlights.
(VIDEO CREDIT: NBA Bearing.)
Uncle Jeff can still do this!
Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the NBA as well.
You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.
R.I.P. Nala.