1 statistic in which the Grizzlies have regained dominance

The Memphis Grizzlies are 7-4 in 11 games this NBA season, much improved since the team stumbled into this stretch starting 2-9 last season. The injury threat hasn’t slowed for this year’s team, but it is better equipped to deal with the turnover of available players after providing better depth options.

Additionally, a new offensive system introduced by assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo keeps the team running at full speed with constant movement and passing, ranking second in the NBA in assists per game. Additionally, the Grizzlies rank third in points per game and field goal percentage, but that one stat puts the team back to contender status.

The Grizzlies are number one in the NBA, averaging 60.5 points per game in the 11 games played this season. Since Ja Morant entered the league in 2019, the Grizzlies have led the NBA in this category every season except last season, when he played just nine games.

When you factor in the fact that the Grizzlies were missing not only Morant, but also former starting center Steven Adams and top reserve Brandon Clarke, the team suffered an expected decline in paint point dominance. The importance of Ja Morant and other competent bigs cannot be overstated, as last season saw the Grizzlies fall from first in the league to absolute last in the league in scoring for four straight seasons.

That stat defined this Grz Nxt Gen era, as the team relied on offensive rebounds from its bigs and one of the NBA’s best guards scoring at the rim to exert its dominance in the game. The addition of Zach Edey and the returns of Brandon Clarke and Ja Morant was a godsend for the team, which has returned to what it does best.

The Grizzlies’ new up-tempo offensive style has also helped them return to their roots. The team quickens the pace after the opposing team has made both baskets and missed shots, allowing almost anyone on the court to move the ball up the court during their transition opportunities.

Their half-court sets consist of constant movement and cuts from players without the basketball, keeping the defense off balance and creating paths to the basket. Jaren Jackson Jr. has been particularly effective with this style as his game has flourished this season after adding more skills to his game last season.

The Grizzlies are back to being the Memphis Grizzlies the league knows them as in this new era, and no matter who is available, the show goes on and will continue to go on.