Memphis Grizzlies: Stats, Stats, Stats!

The Memphis Grizzlies were the best defensive team last year; they held opponents to only 89.3 points per game. Furthermore, they help opponents to 43.5 percent shooting, which was third in the NBA. They also had the Defensive Player of the Year in Marc Gasol and Tony Allen was voted to the first team All-Defensive. Furthermore, Mike Conley and Gasol were voted onto the second team All-Defensive. However, the offense was not very good, as the Grizzlies averaged 93.4 points per game, which was tied for 26th in the league. They also only made 4.7 3-pointers per game; that was dead last in the NBA. Furthermore, they were second-to-last in pace of play, or in other words possessions per game. Because of the offensive stats last year the Grizzlies felt they needed to make change at the coaching position so they hired Dave Joerger to help speed things up. Let’s take a look at the statistics so far this season and see how everything looks compared to last season, which was the Grizzlies best in their history.

Defense

The Grizzlies are in the top 10 in points allowed at 97 per game, which is tied for fourth in the NBA. However, this year Memphis is giving up 46 percent shooting to their opponents, 21st in the league–quite a difference from last year. Furthermore, last season the Grizzlies forced 14.7 turnovers, however, this season they only have forced 13.3 turnovers and that is 26th in the NBA. They are also allowing teams to shoot 36 percent from behind the arc. Now all these stats are a little skewed due to the injury to Marc Gasol, who has been out for 19 games. Furthermore, many other payers have been out for numerous games making it hard to keep a consistent rotation. The Grizzlies will need to try to sure up the defense, especially once Gasol comes game; they need to get back to last season’s form.