The Lead: The was the Grizzlies’ third straight convincing win over a Western Conference playoff team, and the best thing about it was that it didn’t feel at all surprising. Unlike the team’s big road win against the Lakers, in which a desultory performance from the defending champs was a major factor, these past two wins — over Oklahoma City Wednesday and over Utah tonight — game against good teams playing normal games and without the Grizzlies seeming to play beyond their normal capabilities.
In both cases, the opposition boasted the game’s biggest star — Kevin Durant for OKC, Deron Williams for Utah — but in both cases the Grizzlies countered with a collection of talent that was at least comparable. Looking out on the floor, at the players involved, the Grizzlies looked to be roughly as talented as the other team. And they are.
As has become all-too-common, the Grizzlies dug themselves a bit of a hole to start the season, but are now climbing their way out of it by finally getting what I believe is the most talented all-around roster in franchise history — not saying a lot, I know — to play well together. Among the seven core players used in this game, five scored in double figures, four had three or more assists, and five had two or more steals.
As we all know with this franchise, good fortune is subject to sudden change, but right now this is a good team — and should be. This little streak is no fluke.
