Grizzlies Seek Upset Against Knicks Amidst Struggles
The Memphis Grizzlies, currently sitting at 4-7, are set to face the New York Knicks (6-3) at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, aiming for a significant upset to jumpstart their season. The Knicks are riding high with four consecutive wins, boasting an unbeaten home record and holding down the second spot in the Eastern Conference. In stark contrast, Memphis has had a tumultuous start under their new head coach, Tuomas Lisalo, while the Knicks have found a strong footing with their own new leader, Mike Brown.
Grizzlies’ Defensive Challenges
Despite their rocky start, the Grizzlies possess the potential to turn their fortunes around if they can muster the necessary determination. One area of concern is their performance coming out of halftime. New York has proven to be one of the league’s most effective teams in the third quarter, shooting an impressive 42 percent from beyond the arc. For Memphis to avoid falling into an early deficit, they must establish higher pick-up points to prevent players like Jalen Brunson from easily launching deep shots. Effective help defense is crucial; otherwise, the Knicks may slice through their defense with ease, exposing the Grizzlies’ weaknesses.
Memphis ranks as the 19th-best defensive team in third quarters, and their lack of intensity in this critical period could lead to a significant disadvantage as the game progresses.
A Clash of Styles on the Court
The matchup presents a fascinating contrast in playing styles: Memphis is recognized as the eighth-fastest team in the league, while New York plays at a much slower pace, ranking fifth from the bottom. The challenge for the Grizzlies lies in maintaining defensive intensity while pushing the tempo of the game. If they falter, they risk being exploited by the Knicks, who can accelerate quickly if they sense any weaknesses in transition defense. Currently, Memphis finds itself in the 11th spot for defensive transitions, allowing a staggering 134.2 points per 100 possessions, placing them in the 22nd percentile according to Cleaning the Glass.
Exploiting Defensive Weaknesses
While the Knicks have the ninth-ranked defense to start the season, they are not without vulnerabilities, particularly when starters like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are on the floor. Their struggles in defending the pick-and-roll, coupled with Brunson’s slower backpedal and Towns’ inability to effectively guard at the level, provide an opportunity for Memphis. Ja Morant’s explosive speed can be a game-changer, allowing him to penetrate the lane and take advantage of mismatches.
Moreover, the Knicks often overload the lane to counter dribble penetration, leaving corners open. This strategic choice could be detrimental if Memphis capitalizes on it, especially with players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama, who boast an impressive 50 percent shooting accuracy from these areas.
Facilitating Morant’s Game
One tactic employed by opponents to slow down Morant is to deny him the ball, a strategy the Oklahoma City Thunder utilized effectively on Sunday. To counter this, Memphis would benefit from implementing more off-ball screens, allowing Morant to navigate through defenses and attack the lane on catch-and-go plays. By empowering him in this manner, the Grizzlies can enhance their scoring opportunities and build momentum as they look to upset the Knicks in what promises to be an intriguing matchup.
