Grizzlies seek redemption in San Antonio as losing streak intensifies
The Memphis Grizzlies find themselves in a precarious situation, having dropped four consecutive games and currently holding the title of the worst offensive team in the NBA during this stretch. As they head to San Antonio, the Grizzlies are desperate for a turnaround. Their upcoming opponents, the Spurs, will be missing key players Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, but they enter the game with a fierce determination to defend their home court after suffering two losses last week against the Golden State Warriors, where Stephen Curry wreaked havoc.
Winless woes linger for Memphis
Despite a two-day rest, Memphis remains winless, struggling to find their rhythm on offense. The Grizzlies have been working tirelessly to score, yet their efforts seem fruitless compared to their opponents. The Spurs, while not at full strength, excel at controlling the pace of the game, ranking 23rd in speed but showcasing a formidable presence on the boards. However, the absence of Wembanyama, their rookie sensation, leaves a noticeable gap in their lineup, potentially opening up opportunities for Memphis to exploit.
Contain De’Aaron Fox and defend the perimeter
San Antonio may be missing some firepower, but they still boast All-Star De’Aaron Fox, who is arguably one of the fastest players in the league with the ball. Fox thrives in pick-and-roll situations, and Memphis must be vigilant in their defensive strategy. With two consecutive games of double-digit assists under his belt, he poses a significant threat.
The Grizzlies’ defense, led by Kenny the Pope, will need to step up. Historically, a majority of three-pointers in the league are taken by players with little to no defensive pressure. Memphis currently allows the fourth-most open three-point attempts, averaging 22.3 shots per game where the closest defender is at least six feet away. Although they’ve been fortunate in limiting damage on these open shots—allowing a shooting percentage of 37.5%—this leniency could be disastrous against a Spurs team that shoots more accurately at home. Moreover, the Spurs’ depth means that their bench players will likely rise to the occasion, especially in the absence of their star talents.
Exploit matchups with Luke Kornet
In the paint, Luke Kornet serves as a reliable backup big man, adept at rim protection. However, his tendency to drop back during screen rolls presents a vulnerability. With Castle sidelined, Kornet may find himself overwhelmed, creating numerous open looks for the Grizzlies. Memphis must look to exploit this by capitalizing on mismatches against smaller defenders like Jeremy Sochan or Harrison Barnes, who may fill in the backup center role.
Utilize Zach Edey’s presence in the post
The challenge of losing an All-Star point guard often cripples a team’s offensive flow. However, Memphis has an opportunity to stabilize their attack by leveraging Zach Edey’s imposing presence in the post. Edey can command attention and draw defenders, creating space for his teammates. His size and strength could pose significant problems for anyone not named Kornet. The effectiveness of this strategy hinges on Edey’s ability to quickly read defenses and distribute the ball efficiently without turnovers.
As the Grizzlies prepare to face the Spurs, the urgency for a win is palpable. With injuries impacting both teams, this matchup could prove pivotal in shifting the momentum for Memphis. The Grizzlies will need to rally together, find their defensive identity, and harness their offensive potential as they aim for a much-needed victory in San Antonio.
