Zach Edey’s Dominance Fuels Grizzlies’ Gritty Win Over Clippers in LA Thriller
The Memphis Grizzlies are steadily finding their footing, showcasing resilience against lesser teams as they navigate the early part of the season. With a recent record of 3-2 over their last five games, the Grizzlies are beginning to see the fruits of their labor, even without a full roster. The only thing standing between them and a potential 4-1 stretch was a late-game surge from Harrison Barnes in San Antonio on November 18. Now, as they head into Los Angeles for the second leg of a four-game road trip, they face a Clippers team that, while vulnerable, poses its own threats.
Clippers’ Home Court Challenge
Despite their 3-5 record at home, the Clippers remain a formidable opponent, especially from beyond the arc. At the Intuit Dome, they are hitting 39.9 percent of their three-point attempts, making it essential for the Grizzlies to execute sound help defense. However, Los Angeles often complicates its efforts with turnovers, a detail Memphis must exploit to secure a victory.
Ball Movement as a Key Strategy
In the face of injuries, the Grizzlies have excelled in ball movement, leading the league with an impressive average of 32.8 assists per game. Over their recent stretch, they’ve connected on 344.3 passes per night—40.5 more than their season average. This uptick in playmaking is crucial, especially in the absence of a dynamic penetrator. Utilizing effective screens, particularly against a full-court press, can create opportunities for fast breaks.
Vince Williams Jr. has emerged as a playmaker, logging back-to-back games with 17 and 15 assists, a remarkable feat for a player who previously had a career-high of nine in a single game. His newfound role as a decision-maker is vital for the Grizzlies’ success moving forward.
The Challenge of Stopping Zubac and Lopez
The Grizzlies will need to contend with two formidable post defenders—Ivica Zubac and Brook Lopez. Zubac, an underrated force in the paint, requires Jaren Jackson Jr. to apply immediate pressure upon his catches, limiting his scoring opportunities and forcing him into difficult positions. When Jackson isn’t on the floor, the responsibility will fall to Zach Edey, who will need to showcase his strength and savvy against these skilled defenders.
Lopez, known for his defensive prowess, may not always fill up the stat sheet but plays with a starter’s intensity. The Grizzlies must be cautious not to overcommit on help defense, particularly when Lopez is stationed at the three-point line, to avoid giving him open looks.
Navigating Harden’s Craftiness
James Harden’s knack for drawing fouls complicates matters for Memphis. The Grizzlies must remain disciplined, keeping their hands up and avoiding unnecessary reach-ins as Harden navigates through defenders on his drives. Staying low on his shot fakes is essential; any player who bites on his deceptive moves could find themselves quickly benched. Additionally, with Harden’s pick-and-roll game accounting for 30.1 percent of his offensive attacks, the Grizzlies will need precise screen navigation to prevent him from getting clean looks.
Zach Edey’s Staggering Performance
As the Grizzlies look to build momentum, the spotlight is on Zach Edey, who has been a pivotal figure in their recent success. His performance not only bolsters Memphis’s chances against formidable opponents but also ignites hope within the team and its fanbase as they gear up for the challenges ahead. The Grizzlies are grateful this Thanksgiving for Edey’s contributions, which have helped them secure a gritty win in New Orleans and beyond.
