Tag: Memphis Grizzlies

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Beyond the Arc Sports

It’s Win or Go Home Time Again for the Grizzlies

Photo courtesy of ESPN Stats and Info via Twitter

When the Grizzlies take the court against the Utah Jazz in Game 5, they will be playing for the chance to continue their postseason run. Utah currently holds a 3-1 series lead after their win Monday night.  

But regardless of the outcome of tonight’s game, this season has already been a roaring success for the Grizzlies. 

If we’re being brutally honest, the likelihood that the Grizzlies make it out of the first round has always been slim. This is no disrespect, just the facts of life in the NBA when you’re the 8th seed.  

So how can the Grizzlies best optimize their chances of a victory? Defense. Three-point shooting. Free throws. Limiting turnovers. 

Defense: specifically, perimeter defense. The Jazz have consistently outshot the Grizzlies from beyond the arc during this series, so the Grizzlies need to figure out how to run them off the three-point line, and without fouling an active shooter.  

Three-point shooting: The Grizzlies are a collective 38 of 119 from long range in the first four games of this series, an abysmal 32 percent. By contrast, the Jazz are shooting 41 percent (67 of 163) from beyond the arc this series. Memphis needs to do a better job getting those shots falling from the perimeter in Game 5.  

Free throws: This one is two-fold, as the Grizzlies are struggling both with accuracy and disparity in free throws attempted. Utah is consistently doing a better job of getting to the free throw line and making their free throws. Figuring out how to close those gaps would be a huge boon for the Grizzlies.  

Limiting turnovers: Commit fewer turnovers, force more opponent turnovers, convert offensively on more opponent turnovers. This is obviously easier said than done, but even tightening up on ball handling just a little will pay big dividends. Make every possession count.  

Game 5 tips off at 8:30 p.m. CST.  

*All stats are from basketball-reference.com. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Take Game One Against the Jazz, Can They Take Game Two?

Battle of the point guards: Ja Morant stares down Mike Conley. via Grizzlies twitter

Game 1 Final: Grizzlies – 112, Jazz – 109 

The Grizzlies have returned to the NBA postseason for the first time since 2017 and are playing as the 8th seed for the first time since 2011. Longtime followers of this team will recall that back in 2011, the 8th seed Grizzlies beat out the 1st seed Spurs in the first round. Now the new-look Grizzlies are trying to run that back for their playoff debut.  

The Jazz were missing a key player in game one — Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell will almost definitely be making a return to the lineup for Wednesday’s game two, so the Grizzlies will need to plan accordingly. 

The good news is the Grizzlies have a lot of positive momentum from game one they can build off, and a group of guys who are locked in and hungry. 

The bad news is they are still facing off against the top-ranked team in the league, a Jazz team that swept the regular season series against the Grizzlies.  

Here’s a few things the Grizzlies can do to set themselves up for another win in Salt Lake City:  

Play with purpose — the stakes are not yet win or go home, but it would benefit the Grizzlies if they treated each game in this series as an elimination game. If the goal is to get past the first round, they must stay locked in and ready and adjust on the fly as necessary.  

Defense to offense — The Grizzlies play their best basketball when their defense fuels their offense. They lead the league in fast break points and forcing turnovers and converting them to points on the other end is a strategy that has served this team well. In game one, the Grizzlies had 19 more field goal attempts than their opponents, which goes to show once again that taking care of the ball on defense leads to good things offensively.  

Defend without fouling/stay out of foul trouble — this should be self-explanatory.  

YGTMYFT — You’ve got to make your free throws. Grizzlies were 15 of 21 from the charity stripe in game one — a game in which they won by three points. Missed free throws have plagued this team all season long, and they can and will come back to haunt them in close games. Free throws are free and fun to make; tell your friends.  

A public service announcement from the Ministry of Making Your Fucking Free Throws

Next up: Game two against the Jazz is scheduled for Wednesday, May 26th, and will tip-off at 9 p.m. CST.  

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Edge Past Spurs 100-96 in First Play-in Game

Dillon Brooks rises for a dunk against the Spurs. - via Grizzlies Twitter

Growl towels up! Postseason basketball has returned to Memphis for the first time since 2017, and true to form, the Grizzlies kept it interesting against the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night.  

Leading by as many as 21 points in the first quarter, the Grizzlies let off the gas and allowed the Spurs to catch up and keep the score close until the final possession. But ultimately the effort from San Antonio would not be enough to get past this Memphis team. Not even with 20 points put up by one of the ghosts of Grizzlies past, Rudy Gay.  

Let’s get into it.  

In the battle between the big men, Jakob Poeltl was clearly no match for Jonas Valanciunas. JV spent the night dominating in the post and feasting on the boards. In the battle between the coaches, Taylor Jenkins leading this team to a victory over a team coached by Gregg Popovich speaks volumes. 

Another fun fact — the 40 percent capacity for FedExForum made for the most fans to have been in the Grindhouse all season. Nature is healing.

By the Numbers 

Dillon Brooks led all scorers with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Brooks has been a tremendous asset to this team all season, and he is quickly shaping up to be one of the best wing defenders in the league. He’s also the kind of player who absolutely does not quit, which has paid off for the Grizzlies.  

Jonas Valanciunas had himself a big night, with 23 points and 23 rebounds. Yes, you did read that right. TWENTY-THREE REBOUNDS. JV might be the most underrated player in the league, and it isn’t close. Wherever you are ranking Valanciunas, it is almost certainly too low.  

Ja Morant had a solid night as well, finishing with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Morant struggled a bit from the free-throw line, but his drive to improve is obvious. Cue Morant getting shots up from the charity stripe after the game. We see you, 12!

Jaren Jackson Jr. finished the night with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. 

Kyle Anderson closed out with 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 blocks, including 2 of 2 from beyond the arc. Let’s all take a minute to enjoy this stare-down by Anderson after chasing down and blocking a shot.

Who Got Next?

The Grizzlies will be heading back to Chase Center Friday, May 21st, to face off against the Golden State Warriors to determine who gets the 8th seed in the West. Tip-off is at 8 p.m.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Bash Bulls 110-90, Bounce Back From Two-Game Losing Streak

Ja Morant dunks from *behind* the backboard. via Grizzlies Twitter

The Grizzlies faced off against the Bulls Monday night and secured their first win over Chicago since 2017. Coming directly off a Sunday night loss against the Pacers, the young bears showed they took a lesson away from that loss. After a dismal defensive performance Sunday night, the Grizzlies turned around and held the Bulls under 100 points on Monday.  

Three-point shooting continues to be hit or miss for the Grizzlies, who shot a collective 9 of 28 from beyond the arc. Fortunately for them, the Bulls are even worse at the long ball, shooting 5 of 31. Woof.  

In brighter news, the Grizzlies continue to lead the NBA in paint points. In an era where outside shooting is seemingly prized over everything, the Grizzlies will still drag their opponents into the paint and beat them there. Long live the post-up game.  

By the Numbers:  

Jonas Valanciunas led all scorers with 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Fun fact: Jonas Valanciunas has totaled 60 points and 36 rebounds while shooting 70.0 percent in the past two games (Pacers and Bulls) in just 66 minutes of playing time. Since the all-star break, JV has led the league in rebounding and second-chance points. 

I’m not saying that he’s the most criminally underrated player in the league right now…wait, yes, I am saying that. Fight me.

<in my Pete Pranica voice> JEGAAAAAA! 

Dillon Brooks finished with 17 points and 7 rebounds and Grayson Allen closed out with 14 points and 6 rebounds.  

Ja Morant had 13 points and 11 assists. Morant might have had a lower than usual offensive production night, but he more than made up for it by setting his teammates up to score. 

Don’t worry, he still gave us a highlight play, showing off his dunking prowess.  

He dunked this from *behind* the backboard.

Morant is one of the most explosive players in the NBA right now, doing things that seem outside the laws of physics. And this is only Year Two.

Who Got Next?

The Grizzlies will face-off against the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday night at home before embarking on a 7-game road trip. The tip-off is at 8:30 PM.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Rally Past Thunder to Win Three Straight

The Grizzlies have won three straight games after defeating the Thunder 116-107 Wednesday in Oklahoma City.

It took a massive third period for Memphis to take control of the game for good. Grizzlies outscored the Thunder 33-20 in that period — after giving up four straight turnovers.

Dillion Brooks led the way for Memphis with 25 points off 8 of 13 from the field and 8 of 9 at the charity stripe. The Grizzlies improved to 9-4 when Brooks scores 20 points or more this season.

Grayson Allen added 20 points and five rebounds. Allen shot 8 of 14 from the field and 4 of 9 from beyond the arc.

Meanwhile, Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 16 points and 15 rebounds to tally his 28th double double of the season as the Grizzlies improve to 21-20 for the year.

Off the bench, Brandon Clarke chipped in a near double-double with eight points and nine rebounds. Clarke was huge defensively with a career high five blocks plus two steals. Clarke became the third Grizzlies reserve in franchise history behind Stromile Swift and James Johnson to record 2+ steals and 5+ blocks.

Mr. Do Something, De’Anthony Melton finished with 14 points while shooting 4 of 6 three-pointer as a reserve.

The Thunder had seven players in double figures. Moses Brown led OKC with 19 points and 12 rebounds as a reserve. Lu Dort finished with 14 points, three rebounds and three assists as the Thunder fall to 19-25 for the season.

Up Next

The Grizzlies play back to back against the Jazz in Utah, Friday and Saturday night.

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Beyond the Arc Sports Uncategorized

Grit ‘n Grind Returns to Memphis

Grizzlies Twitter

For one night only, the Grit ‘n Grind Grizzlies made an appearance at the FedExForum on Wednesday with a 89-85 win against the Miami Heat.

When asked if it gave him pride to win in an old school style, Ja Morant said with a smile, “Hell yeah. Simple as that.”

Miami shot just 36 percent of its shots while Memphis only went 35.3 percent from the field. This was definitely a mud game. Grizzlies fans remember those so well.

After the game Taylor Jenkins said of the win, “This was probably one of the gutsiest wins I can recall in my time here, definitely this season. This was a heck of a game.”

Jenkins added, “To come away 89-85 and hold them to mid-30’s shooting, limiting some of their best players, I give our guys a lot of credit to just stick with it. That’s why it’s gutsy.”

The last time the Grizzlies and their opponents scored under 90 points was on Nov. 7, 2018 when Memphis defeated Denver 89-87.

Memphis managed to get their defensive mojo back after the last two opponents were lights-out with the three-ball. The Grizzlies’ defense had been nonexistent in consecutive games, giving up a combined 28 three-pointers in the last two losses against Oklahoma City and Phoenix.

With 1.2 seconds remaining in regulation, Morant went coast to coast and finished with a driving left handed finger roll layup off the backboard to give the Grizzlies the lead for good.

“Go get a bucket, simple as that,” Morant said in the postgame interview with Rob Fischer about his game winning bucket. “I live for those moments and I want that pressure.

During the postgame Zoom availability, Morant proclaimed, “When in doubt, ‘Call 12.'”

The Grizzlies star guard finished the game with 13 points, six assists and four rebounds in 36 minutes of action. Kyle Anderson also chipped in 13 points and five rebounds while going 4 of 9 from the field.

In 23 minutes off the bench, De’Anthony Melton secured a double-double with 13 points, a career-high 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals.

“Coach (Taylor Jenkins) said before the game that we were going to go with a smaller lineup,” Melton stated after the game. “He wanted all of the guards to get in there and rebound and scrap. I think that’s what we emphasized today, just limiting them to one or two shots and just getting out and running. We’re one of the better pace teams, so we just want to get out there and just keep going and keep attacking them to see how they react to that.”

With the win, Memphis moved to 18-19 on the season after dropping three straight games.

Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 24 points and seven rebounds. Bam Adebayo had 15 points (5-11 FG), 12 rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 35 minutes as the Suns dropped to 22-19 for the season.

Memphis’ own Precious Achiuwa made his first appearance at the FedExForum since being drafted by the Heat in 2020. Achiuwa finished with two points and five rebounds in 10 minutes of play as a reserve.

Up Next

The Grizzlies will host a back-to-back home-stand against the Golden State Warriors on Friday and Saturday.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Justise Winslow Makes Grizzlies Debut

CREDIT: Grizzlies Twitter

There was a bit of surprise on Saturday morning when the Memphis Grizzlies released the injury report via Twitter. Multiple players were listed out due to rest and injury, but Justise Winslow was finally listed as questionable.

Grizzlies Twitter

 Many wondered if he would actually play against the Phoenix Suns Saturday night. It has been a long road for the 24-year-old to actually to suit up for the Grizzlies. Winslow was traded to the Grizzlies from the Miami Heat in February 2020 and was slated to make his Grizzlies debut then, just before the NBA went on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a freak accident in the NBA bubble over the summer, Winslow was sidelined with a left hip displacement. 

Grizzlies Coach Taylor Jenkins confirmed that Winslow would get some minutes against the Suns during the pregame media availability: “Justise is officially good to go . We are so excited to get him out there. I know that he is super-excited as well.” 

Jenkins continued: “When we welcomed him here about a year ago, we knew the competitor we were getting, we knew the winning basketball player we were getting, the playmaker and the ultimate team guy. He’s the ultimate competitor. He’s been super vocal, super active on the sidelines and in the film sessions and whatever he participates in. In practice as well, he just brings a lot of spirit to us.”

NBA.com

With 6:29 left in the first quarter, Winslow checked in for the first time in a Memphis uniform. He received a round of applause from the 1,994 fans in attendance at FedExForum.

As expected, the Duke alum was a bit rusty in what became a 128–97 blowout loss to the Suns. Winslow went 0–9 from the field in the first half, but he was a bit better in the second half and finished the game with nine points, seven rebounds, and a steal in 21 minutes, while going 3-of-14 from the field. It was his first NBA action since January 8, 2020, as a member of the Miami Heat. 

Winslow was happy to be back on the floor after being out for so long. After the game, he said, “It was a great day, man .  I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time. I was excited. A lot of nerves, to be honest, but just being out there competing was a lot of fun.”

Winslow added, “The first half, I was just trying to get that first bucket. A little excited, but once I settled down, settled into my game, I felt pretty comfortable out there. But a lot of praise to this organization, helping me get back out there. And my teammates, they helped me be very confident while I was out there playing.” 

Winslow admitted that it was a challenging year for him with the injury and the pandemic that affected his rehab process. He added, “I give a lot of thanks to my family and my friends, and this organization. Like I said, they kept me steady; they kept me level. They believed in me. So, it’s been a hell of a journey. Tonight, was just a glimpse of the iceberg, just getting my feet wet. But it was a good experience for me, obviously, a lot to learn from, but I had fun out there despite the 30-point beatdown. But we’ll get better and attack Dallas Monday.”

Jenkins was pleased with Winslow’s debut and stated he would be initially coming off the bench. He said, “This guy’s got a bright future with us, and I’m so happy to see him out there and him having a lot of fun. I just want him to be a playmaker out there . I think having the ball in his hands is going to lead to some more good things. As much as I can continue to learn him as a player, as much as I already know, but seeing him with our group and in his teammates. I’m very excited about putting the ball in his hands a lot more.”

Winslow’s future with the Grizzlies appears bright once he is settled in and playing and bringing energy on both ends of the court. With the loss, the Grizzlies fell to 13-13 on the season. 

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News News Blog

Memphis Tourism Unveils Public Art Project for Black History Month

CREDIT: Memphis Tourism

Local artists Mia Saine and Toonky Berry have given the area outside FedExForum a major glow up in celebration of Black History Month.

Memphis Tourism

Earlier today, Memphis Tourism unveiled the “Roots of Memphis Music” public art project in a press release. Twenty-four of the round concrete bollards surrounding the Forum’s entry plaza (at the intersection of B.B. King Boulevard and Beale Street) are now emblazoned with the likenesses of both the past and present Memphis music royalty. Think major players like W.C. Handy, David Porter, and Three 6 Mafia, as well as historic locations like Stax Records and Royal Studios.

Saine is a Memphis-native illustrator and designer, whose images consist of “simplified shapes, fun colors, and chalky textures.” Quantavious Berry, known as “Tooky Berry,” developed a style he dubs Toonkifcation while a student at the Memphis College of Art, which is an amalgam of “surrealism, caricatures, and graffiti.”

Each piece of artwork includes a QR Code that will provide interested patrons with the backgrounds and context of the images depicted on the bollards. Hosted on the Memphis Tourism website, these stories are curated by the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, Memphis Slim Collaboratory executive director Tonya Dyson, and WYXR 91.7 program director Jared “Jay B” Boyd.

Memphis Tourism

Artists Mia Saine and Toonky Berry incorporated both the past and present of Memphis musical culture into the ‘Roots of Memphis Music’ project.

“The goal of this activation launching during Black History Month was to tell a visual story of prominent figures and landmarks that are connected to the Memphis music legacy, along with the music that is coming out of our city today,” said Regena Bearden, chief marketing officer for Memphis Tourism, in the release. “Our I Love Memphis murals across the city have become a destination for visitors and locals alike. For this project, we not only wanted to create a public art space to honor people and places at the heart of the Memphis sound but also educate and inform those who engage with the art through scannable QR codes on the bollards provide a wealth of information.”

“We are excited to celebrate the history of Black music here in Memphis with our partners at Memphis Tourism,” added Anthony Macri, vice president of partnership marketing for the Memphis Grizzlies. “The outdoor plaza in front of FedExForum is a front porch for the city, and featuring these great musicians, moments and locations will add richness to the experience of millions of tourists and visitors all year long.”

The artwork will remain in the FedExForum plaza through June 2021. To learn more about the project, visit MemphisTravel.com. For more ways to celebrate Black History Month in Memphis year-round, read this itinerary.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Pacers Snap Grizzlies’ Seven-Game Win Streak

Indiana clearly wanted to put an end to the Grizzlies’ win streak. The Pacers were seething after a heartbreaking loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. Memphis entered the night with the NBA’s longest active winning streak at seven in a row. 

Despite a strong outing by Dillon Brooks, the Grizzlies didn’t have it Tuesday night inside the Bankers Life Fieldhouse. A sluggish start in the first quarter really was the catalyst for the defeat. Indiana outscored the Grizzlies 37–27, and things went downhill from there. Memphis gave up a season-high 70 points in the first half. 

The Pacers shot an astounding 59.8 percent from the field and 55 percent from the 3-point line in a 134–116 victory and moved to 12–9 on the season.

The Grizzlies dropped to 9–7 on the season and wrapped their 3-game road trip going 2–1. Memphis is now 6–2 on the road. Sure, it was the second night of a back-to-back for Memphis, but the Pacers just wanted it more.

Speaking to the media after the loss, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said, “I thought we’ve been doing a really good job at competing; we just didn’t have it tonight. … I give the Pacers a lot off credit; they came on a mission, they set a tone, and we were able to respond. Our guys are positive and ready to rebound and get ready for Thursday.”

Grizzlies guard Ja Morant said after the loss that he has to play better. “I feel like tonight I was a no-show .  I can’t have that. As the point guard, I have to lead the charge at the start of the game.”

Fatigue was a factor in how Memphis played, but it wasn’t an excuse, Morant reiterated. Morant finished the night with 10 points and five assists while shooting 20 percent from the field. It was a rough night for the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year. 

“I feel like we weren’t here tonight,” Morant said. “But also, I felt like the shots that we were taking were the shots we normally take.”

The interior defense of Indiana was a problem for Memphis most of the night, but the consensus with the team is that they will be fine. Morant noted that he was proud of how positive the locker room was after the defeat and how they were looking to bounce back against the Rockets. 

Brooks led the charge for Memphis with 25 points off 55.6 shooting, adding three rebounds and three steals. As a reserve, Desmond Bane tied his career-high with 16 points and five assists, going 6 of 13 from the field and 3 of 6 from the 3-point stripe. It also was Bane’s first game as an NBA player in his native state of Indiana. 

Pacers Snap Grizzlies’ Seven-Game Win Streak

Domantas Sabonis led the way for the Pacers with a season-high 32 points and 13 rebounds, finishing 13 -of- 15 from the floor plus five assists and two steals. Miles Turner added 22 points, 11 rebounds, and a game-high five blocks. Malcolm Brogdon chipped in 23 points and seven assists.

On a Good Note
Former Grizzlies assistant Niele Ivey was in attendance to cheer on her former team.

Pacers Snap Grizzlies’ Seven-Game Win Streak (2)

Next Up
Memphis will host the new-look Houston Rockets on Thursday at 8:00 pm. 

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From My Seat Sports

Of Dreams and Ja

CREDIT: Larry Kuzniewski

The Memphis Grizzlies’ annual Martin Luther King Day game is the most important sporting event in this city. It provides Memphis — and not just our beloved NBA franchise — a national platform, one from which the powerful and inspiring work of the National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM) is on full display. It’s the rare sporting event that feels bigger. Because it is.
Larry Kuzniewski

Ja Morant

And this year’s game felt especially right, even with FedExForum empty of fans, even with pandemic conditions still heavy worldwide, even with our nation’s capital becoming, yes, a fortress for the upcoming inauguration of our 46th president. In the game’s closing seconds, a dynamic Black player (Ja Morant) found a sharp-shooting white teammate (Grayson Allen) who buried a game-winning three-pointer to beat one of the league’s best young teams. If you looked west shortly before Allen’s game-winner, you saw the new year’s most beautiful sunset, a lovely metaphor for the Grizzlies’ comeback victory against, of course, the Phoenix Suns. It felt . . . just right.

The TNT studio hosts were especially sentimental, Kenny Smith being one of this year’s three NCRM Sports Legacy Honorees. A two-time NBA champion (as a Houston Rocket), Smith and his more-provocative colleague — Hall of Famer Charles Barkley — were effusive in their gratitude for the platform the NBA has provided them, as Black men, to speak about topics more important than James Harden taking his talents to Brooklyn. Best of all, Smith, Barkley, and friends see what is rising in Memphis (on the hardwood): Morant, one of the league’s top two or three players under the age of 25, and Jaren Jackson Jr. — a future All-Star himself — soon to return from knee surgery. The Grizzlies keep Memphis proud, one year to the next, but particularly on MLK Day. I’m choosing to see their win this week as an omen for a year we all rise, as Memphians and as human beings.

• Memphis Tiger coach Penny Hardaway is a past recipient of the NCRM Sports Legacy Award. That was an especially happy day at FedExForum, a packed crowd — it was 2018 — saluting a past hero, one already rumored to be returning to the college program where he played a generation ago. Hardaway is surely calling on days like that right now, as his current Tiger team tries to find its way through a season already damaged by COVID-19 (three January games postponed) and the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (two losses after the Tigers led at halftime). Now 6-5, the Tigers face four games in eight days before the calendar turns to February. And a coach with top-five aspirations for his program now must wonder if 20 wins are within reach, let alone an NCAA tournament bid. Hardaway was philosophical last week during a virtual press conference, identifying the same cloud the rest of us do these days when things turn sour: “We’re trying to play through a pandemic. It’s not the worst thing. We have to be mindful, continue to be safe. You just have to work through the rigors of what’s happening.”

• I’ve written in this space about Tom Brady being the first one-man dynasty in the history of American team sports. The 43-year-old quarterback has now proven that a New England Patriots uniform wasn’t required for this “dynasty” to happen, having led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the NFC Championship in his first season with the franchise. The game will be Brady’s 14th(!) conference title game. Perspective? You’ve heard of Joe Montana, John Elway, and Dan Marino. That trio played in 16 conference championships combined.