Memphis Grizzlies Face Challenges in Crunch Time Against Brooklyn Nets
In what began as a highly competitive matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies found themselves trailing the Brooklyn Nets by just a single point as they headed into the fourth quarter. As the game progressed, however, the deficit widened to 13 points within a decisive eight-minute span. This stretch was marked by significant challenges for the Grizzlies, including the absence of key players and a mixture of strategic adjustments on the part of their head coach, Taylor Jenkins.
One of the major hindrances for Memphis was the absence of star player Ja Morant during a crucial period of the game. Contributing to the complexity of Memphis' situation, Jaren Jackson Jr. was benched for over four minutes in the same stretch. The impact of these absences on the team's performance was further compounded by injuries to Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart. Bane exited early due to an oblique injury, while Smart left the court after sustaining a right ankle injury.
Head coach Taylor Jenkins faced the arduous task of juggling the lineup amidst these uncertainties. He noted, "There's a lot of things on the table. We have guys getting hurt in the middle of the game, so we're having to adjust. We're having guys out in the starting lineup, in and out, all that, so that kind of changes things." This dynamic forced Jenkins to employ an all-bench lineup from the 9:20 mark to the 5:58 mark in the pivotal fourth quarter.
Even with the lineup adjustments, Memphis stuck to its practice of utilizing an extensive rotation, frequently playing 11 to 12 players in their first five games. While this strategy generally allows for greater flexibility, it does mean that no single player is shouldering the load for extended periods, with Santi Aldama currently leading the team with an average of 27.7 minutes per game. Remarkably, Memphis, alongside the Golden State Warriors, is one of the only teams in the league not averaging at least one player logging 30 minutes per game.
Jenkins and his team are well aware of the need to be cautious, especially in managing Ja Morant’s playing time. "Obviously, it's a process. You got to be smart. You don't want to go throw me in there for 36 minutes," Morant reflected, acknowledging the cautious approach needed to avoid exacerbating any potential injury. According to Jenkins, "We're working with him and the medical team about how we want to deploy him over this stretch right now. Obviously, he was out for a portion of preseason, so getting his game legs and conditioning right."
The early part of the season for the Grizzlies has been a whirlwind, with the team embarking on a grueling schedule consisting of six games in just nine days. Currently holding a 2-3 record, Memphis stands out for its formidable offensive pace, ranking second in the league. However, the challenge of maintaining such tempo throughout the season with an ever-evolving lineup is an ongoing concern for Jenkins. "Every game is presenting a new opportunity to try to find chemistry," he acknowledged, highlighting the unpredictable nature of building a cohesive unit under the present circumstances.
For the Grizzlies, navigating these early-season hurdles is crucial as they strive to build momentum. While player health and rotation management remain at the forefront of their strategy, Memphis aims to continue adapting and capitalizing on each game to discover new strengths and improve team cohesion. As the team progresses, Jenkins and his staff will be keeping a close eye on balancing player development with the ongoing demands of the NBA season.