Grizzlies Fight Through Adversity, Struggle to Find Consistency
The Memphis Grizzlies continue to navigate a challenging start to their NBA season, piling up injuries as they strive to build team chemistry amidst a grueling schedule. Their recent clash with the Brooklyn Nets, which saw them trailing by just a single point entering the fourth quarter only to fall behind by as much as 13 points, exemplifies their current situation.
Despite the team's struggles, head coach Taylor Jenkins remains pragmatic. "There's a lot of things on the table," Jenkins explained, alluding to the various players being shuffled in and out of the lineup. "We have guys getting hurt in the middle of the game, so we're having to adjust. We're having guys out in the starting lineup, in and out, all that, so that kind of changes things."
Injuries and Absences Hamper Team Effort
The Grizzlies faced significant hurdles in their recent outing due to key player absences during crucial moments. Ja Morant, the explosive guard known for his offensive prowess, was off the court for the major part of the pivotal fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. sat out for over four minutes during a stretch where the Grizzlies' deficit expanded. Desmond Bane's early departure due to an oblique injury, along with Marcus Smart's exit following a right ankle injury, further complicated matters for Jenkins.
This forced Jenkins to rely heavily on an all-bench lineup from the 9:20 mark to just under six minutes remaining in the game. The challenge of managing rotations has been amplified by Memphis starting their season with six games packed into nine days, resulting in a 2-3 standing. Such a congested schedule leaves little room for error or recovery, complicating a path to establishing consistent team rhythms.
"Obviously, it's a process," Morant reflected on his return from an off-season injury. "You got to be smart. You don't want to go throw me in there for 36 minutes. God willing, nothing happens, but you just got to be smart."
Strategic Adjustments and New Opportunities
The team's adjustment period is reflected in the minute distribution, as Memphis, along with the Golden State Warriors, is one of the only NBA teams not averaging at least one player with 30 minutes per game. Santi Aldama currently leads the Grizzlies with an average of 27.7 minutes on the floor, underscoring Jenkins’ strategic emphasis on utilizing an 11- or 12-man rotation across their first five games. This approach may help preserve player health but also presents challenges in building the sought-after on-court chemistry.
"Every game is presenting a new opportunity to try to find chemistry," Jenkins stated, highlighting his commitment to gradually integrating players back into full rotations following injuries.
Indeed, reintegrating Morant has been a key focus for Jenkins as the coaching staff works collaboratively with medical teams to ensure his recovery aligns with game demands. "We're working with him and the medical team about how we want to deploy him over this stretch right now," Jenkins noted. "Obviously, he was out for a portion of preseason, so getting his game legs and conditioning right."
Looking to the Future
Memphis's current placement as the second in the league for offensive pace is a promising indicator of their potential success if the team can remain healthy. However, as the season progresses, the Grizzlies will need to overcome these injury setbacks and forge the synergy required for consistent success on the court.
With the necessity to adapt continuously due to lineup changes, Jenkins and his squad are in a state of flux. Their ability to adjust, develop younger talent, and overcome adversity may well define their season. As the Grizzlies push forward, each game not only tests their resilience but also provides another canvas for building the chemistry that Jenkins envisions as integral to long-term success.