Memphis Grizzlies find rhythm without Ja Morant
The Memphis Grizzlies are experiencing a remarkable turnaround after a troubling stretch that saw them secure just one win in ten games. Recently, the team has surged, triumphing in four of their last five matchups, including a hard-fought 112-107 victory against the LA Clippers. This resurgence begs the question: can the Grizzlies maintain this momentum when Ja Morant returns from his two-week absence due to a right calf strain?
A newfound stability
While the four victories came against teams struggling to find their footing, the Grizzlies have undeniably found a semblance of stability. The lone loss during this stretch was to the formidable Denver Nuggets, a testament to the challenges of competing at the highest level. Yet, the team’s ability to stabilize after a rocky start is noteworthy. With Morant’s imminent return, one would typically anticipate a wave of enthusiasm. However, this season has been anything but smooth sailing for the superstar.
Morant’s struggles
Let’s take a closer look at Morant’s performance leading up to his injury. Prior to the calf strain, he was averaging 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and his typical seven and a half assists over just 12 games. These figures fall significantly short of his career averages of 22.5 points and 4.7 rebounds. While one might attribute his underwhelming performance to early-season rust, it’s evident that his scoring efficiency has taken a hit.
Morant is currently shooting just 35.9% from the field and an alarming 16.7% from three-point range, alongside a career-low 44% from inside the arc. These struggles have been compounded by a decrease in his trips to the free-throw line, likely influenced by coach Tuomas Iisalo’s team-friendly offensive strategy and limited playing time. The silver lining is that Morant has achieved a career-best shooting percentage of 94% from the charity stripe, a significant leap from his 77% career average. Nevertheless, he has not been the explosive, downhill threat that has defined the Grizzlies’ identity.
A shift in team dynamics
One of the most striking developments during Morant’s absence has been the Grizzlies’ rediscovered structure. While it’s true that they have capitalized on matchups against struggling teams, their gameplay reflects increased discipline and execution in the halfcourt. The defense has tightened, and the team is fully leveraging the talents of Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart as steady on-ball decision-makers. Although the offense may not yet be firing on all cylinders, it has certainly shifted from the chaotic style that characterized the early season.
The Grizzlies are minimizing unforced turnovers and displaying a steadier overall performance, showing poise in critical moments down the stretch. This new identity raises important questions about the team’s hierarchy once Morant returns to action.
Future implications
As the Grizzlies look to build on their recent success, the potential impact of Morant’s return looms large. Will the team revert to its previous style, or has the shift in dynamics created a new path forward? The upcoming weeks will reveal how Memphis navigates this delicate balance, as they seek to integrate their star player back into a squad that has found its footing in his absence. The interplay between Morant’s explosive potential and the newfound stability of the Grizzlies will be crucial as they aim to solidify their standing in the league.
