Playoff Picture: Memphis Grizzlies
By Luke Duffy
Why They’ll Win It All
Continuity cannot be quantified, but it is important in professional sports. The core of this team have been grinding together for years. They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and it must be comforting as a member of that team to know the game plan, one that usually works, is in place and isn’t going anywhere.
With Southwest on track to set NBA record for collective win percentage, Grizzlies try to grind out division title http://t.co/0aKVAZQ1L8
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) April 3, 2015
Mike Conley may have taken Luol Deng‘s crown as the most underrated player in the entire league. Bill Simmons has a great take on how his style of play (getting his teammates as many touches as possible) is key for this Grizzlies team. If he played in the East he’d probably have made an All-Star team by now, and his quiet and unassuming manner breeds calm on the court.
Their bench is also not a source of weakness as well, like some other playoff teams in the West. Courtney Lee was an excellent pickup, his 10.1 points per game a needed boost for an offense that can struggle from time to time. Nick Calathes is a unique kind of point guard, but one whose work with the second unit can go unnoticed.
Vince Carter appears to be immortal, while Allen can play either as a starter or a defensive terrier for the second unit and make a positive impact no matter how he is used. Their bench is 10th in the league in defensive efficiency, meaning when the starters go to the bench, the intensity doesn’t drop off. It makes Memphis such a tough team to break down.
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