{"uid":"Entry:6cecaf92-8ca1-48fb-ab3d-54c4623aced6","title":"Quick Recap: Grizzlies cook Nuggets in resounding win","dek":{"html":"The Memphis Grizzlies put together a massive win over the Western Conference’s top seed, Denver Nuggets."},"createdAt":"2023-02-26T01:20:21.000Z","url":"https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/2023/2/25/23615255/quick-recap-memphis-grizzlies-cook-denver-nuggets-in-resounding-win-morant-tillman-nba","wordCount":777,"updatedAt":"2023-02-26T04:01:15.000Z","author":{"fullOrUserName":"Parker Fleming"},"authorProfile":null,"contributors":[],"communityGroups":[{"name":"Front Page"},{"name":"Quick Recap"}],"body":{"components":[{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"JvyufK","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Memphis Grizzlies returned to FedExForum for their first home game after the All-Star break, as the top-seeded Denver Nuggets rolled into town. The Grizzlies (Steven Adams) and Nuggets (Aaron Gordon) were both missing key players, but it still served as an anticipated bout on this Saturday slate of games."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"B6S8t9","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Grizzlies and Nuggets started with a fast, back-and-forth pace. Xavier Tillman quickly scored 6 points off the bat. The Nuggets started off fine, but they cooled off significantly towards the end of the quarter. Ja Morant was pretty much able to get wherever he wanted on the floor, attacked the paint at will. The Grizzlies closed with a 28-20 lead after the first quarter."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"Dyiifk","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Grizzlies made it rain from deep in the 2nd quarter — drilling 6 three-pointers in the quarter. Tyus Jones led the charge here, connecting on 4 triples, which really generated some flow in the offense when Morant sat. The Grizzlies used a 14-2 run to start the quarter to blow the doors open a little bit, generating a sizable double-digit lead quick. The Grizzlies finished with a 66-42 lead at halftime."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"kkc4wP","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Grizzlies built their lead up past 30 points, and they didn’t budge. Their offense was still crisp, and they were going after 50/50 balls too — Morant included:"},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyEmbed","placement":{"id":"5chwY3","alignment":null},"embed":{"embedHtml":"

It's such a tone-setter when your star player goes after 50-50 balls this hard

And obviously the silky finish from Ja Morantpic.twitter.com/TazQjeT6Up

— Grizzly Bear Blues (@sbnGrizzlies) February 26, 2023
\n\n","provider":{"name":"Twitter"}}},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"Su2lAZ","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Grizzlies closed with a 94-62 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"FGXpeu","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Nuggets pulled Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. at the start of the 4th quarter. Nothing totally eventful happened in the quarter. Luke Kennard and Tyus Jones hit a couple of 3’s to bring their totals to 4 and 5, respectively."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"06FwYI","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Grizzlies ended the game with Kennedy Chandler, Ziaire Williams, Jake LaRavia, David Roddy, and Kenneth Lofton Jr. The fans got treated with some good Jr. moments."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"TABBqq","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"Memphis Grizzlies close with a resounding 112-94 win."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyHeading","placement":{"id":"soyN84","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"Quick Takeaways"},"level":2},{"__typename":"EntryBodyList","placement":{"id":null,"alignment":null},"items":[{"line":{"html":"Stones back rolling. Tyus Jones went on an absolute heater in the 2nd quarter, and it was great to see him snap out of a funk lately. In his last 11 games, Jones has averaged 4.5 points and 3.6 assists on 33.9% shooting from the field and 14.3% from 3. He played with extra swagger and confidence on the offensive end, and when he’s doing that, the offense tends to hum and work its way around in the halfcourt. For the Grizzlies to officially navigate out of this weird month stretch of play, getting the “Tyus Stones” version of Jones will be crucial."},"placement":{"id":"BsqcVt"}},{"line":{"html":"X solid again. Xavier Tillman go the starting nod, so that the Grizzlies had a physical option against Nikola Jokic. He played rock-solid defense against Jokic, holding him to 15 points and 13 rebounds. The biggest difference was Jokic was minimized as a playmaker, only generating 3 assists. Tillman also was ready offensively, as he connected on all 6 of his attempts for 12 points, while also dropping 3 dimes. I don’t know his standing in the rotation once Steven Adams returns, but he’s reemerged as a good player to have in emergency situations."},"placement":{"id":"2u4lnp"}},{"line":{"html":"Sneaky Dillon game. We don’t need to delve much into the 2023 it’s been for Dillon Brooks, but he put together a sneaky steady game — probably his best in awhile. He connected on 5 of his 9 shot attempts, while making 2 of his 4 three-point tries. Everything he sought offensively came within the flow, nothing was forced. He was also instrumental in holding Jamal Murray into a 3-13 shooting night (1-5 from 3). It’s not the most eye-popping game we’ve seen from Dillon Brooks, but he doesn’t need to be on this version of the Grizzlies. He served as the perfect complementary piece within the system."},"placement":{"id":"4mfrlU"}},{"line":{"html":"Much-needed Grizz win. This is the kind of win that can turn the tide for the Memphis Grizzlies. From start to finish, they laid the smackdown on top-seeded Denver Nuggets. They minimized their star, made his supporting cast complete non-factors, and kept things flowing offensively. The Grizzlies have now won 4 of their past 6 games, but this one seems like it could be the foundation for a bounce-back into a massive month of March on the horizon."},"placement":{"id":"R5QTxN"}}],"ordered":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"Ocov0D","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Memphis Grizzlies will get a couple days off before they play the Los Angeles Lakers at home on Tuesday February 28th."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"2hiC3a","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"Grizzly Bear Blues will be moving to Bluff City Media on 3/1, and you can subscribe here for insider Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Tigers content. Use promo code “GBBLIVE” for 10% OFF an annual subscription. Follow Grizzly Bear Blues on Twitter and Instagram. For more Grizzlies talk, subscribe to the Grizzly Bear Blues podcast network on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, and IHeart. "},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false}]}}
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Writer's pictureParker Fleming
Nov 8, 20235 min read

G League Ignite, Perth Wildcats Scouting Notes

For this year's draft cycle, to expand my draft coverage, I'll be posting scouting notes on this website. I've continued to add more to this sector of my basketball coverage -- compiling big boards, running more prospect profiles, and going deeper with more film elements.

I'll continue to do that stuff both here and with Grizzlies-specific draft content on SubTsakalidis.


To get started for the 2024 draft cycle, I start with the first highly-anticipated game of the draft season: September 6th's matchup between the G League Ignite and Perth Wildcats. The Las Vegas Showcase game featured multiple (preseason) lottery prospects Matas Buzelis and Izan Almansa, and potential number 1 picks in Ron Holland and Alex Sarr. .


Ron Holland

  • 23 points (9-13 shooting, 1-3 from 3), 5 rebounds, 1 assist (3 turnovers), 3 steals, 1 block

Holland quickly showed why he's a potential top-3 pick. He utilizes his athleticism so well as a 6'8" wing. Offensively, he's a freight train -- providing immense rim pressure and powering his way downhill. Several occasions, he hit an extra gear when turning a corner from the 3-point arc to the rim. Even in the midst of surging downhill, he managed to glide and finish with control. He also made some great plays defensively, showcasing his size and athleticism at the point of attack. Those 2 traits are going to be foundational for his candidacy as a top pick, and as barometers for his ability to be a top guy (whether as a 1st or 2nd option) for a franchise down the road.


Holland's jumper is still a work in progress, though he hit a filthy stepback 3 that should have had scouts salivating. The effectiveness on his 3-point jumper will not only be crucial for his ceiling, but also in terms of how he can complement in an offense as well. Playmaking was an issue as well -- though all these players in lottery consideration struggled in this regard. It's something to monitor as these players grow accustomed to playing alongside each other.


Big question going forward this cycle: How will Holland's creation grow? Holland mainly got his looks from attacking downhill in the paint -- which is tremendous, rim pressure is great. With his creation growth, scouts will want to see how his range can expand off the dribble, and if he could leverage his rim pressure with looks for his teammates.



Alex Sarr

  • 17 points (6-13 shooting, 2-3 from 3), 7 rebounds, 1 assist (5 turnovers), 6 blocks, 1 steal

The past few years, the NBA has seen rim-roaming 4's enter the NBA: Jaren Jackson Jr., Victor Wembanyama, Evan Mobley, and Chet Holmgren (who's really playing the 5 for OKC) -- and we can't forget the pioneer of the movement, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sarr seems to be next in line for this distinction and made a massive statement with a 6-block performance against the G League Ignite. His mobility and fluidity at his size stood out, providing a case for him to not only be a switchable defender, but a 7-footer that can handle a perimeter player (3/4) as a defensive assignment. His shot-blocking was emphatic, sticking with drivers downhill and displaying great timing and force on his swats. His outside jumper looked smooth as well, showcasing a quick release off the catch. Offensively, his motor shined by how he hustled on the glass and how he ran the floor in transition.


While Sarr moves like a perimeter as a 7'1" big, he's still finding his footing, as his turnovers resulted from shuffling his feet and traveling. It's not uncommon for bigs to be a bit awkward on the ball in this part of their developmental timeline, but it's something to still monitor when projecting his offensive role.


Big question going forward this cycle: How long before Sarr establishes himself as a clear-cut 1? With the aforementioned class of 4's, we've seen how quickly they've fortified a defense and impacted winning basketball. If Sarr's defensive impact and offensive upside hit in the NBL, he can establish himself as the bonafide 1st pick in next year's draft.



Matas Buzelis

  • 16 points (7-13 shooting, 1-1 from 3), 5 rebounds, 2 assists (2 turnovers), 2 blocks, 1 steal

Buzelis seemed rather invisible as a creator given his pre-cycle stature as a prospect. However, I came away impressed with his connective skillset. He made strong drives to the rim, and blended aggression and finesse on his finishes. Defensively, he generated events, utilizing his size on the perimeter to contest and alter shots. He just had a nose for the ball on that side of the floor.


The only mark against him here is more about what he didn't do, rather than what he did wrong. As a more complementary player in the offense, I wish the shot diet had more 3's in it -- 1 of his 13 shot attempts were 3's.


Big question going forward this cycle: How does Buzelis deal with physicality? At 6'10", Buzelis provides an advantage with his size. However, he's still rather lean and needs to add more muscle -- as he weighs between 185 and 209 depending on which outlet you're looking at. Physicality will be important in his upside as a defender and as a shot creation, as he needs to showcase the ability to win the contact advantage -- getting to his spots offensively, while not getting pushed around or lose separation defensively.



Izan Almansa

  • 14 points (5-8 shooting, 0-1 from 3), 8 rebounds, 3 assists (3 turnovers), 2 blocks, 1 steal

Almansa's activity was so impressive on both sides of the ball -- rebounding, high-post movement, transition running, and pick-and-roll defense. I'm intrigued with his ability to serve as a delay action big with his skill as a scorer and passer. Defensively, he swarmed around to muck up actions and generate turnovers.


Almansa turned the ball over by doing too much; his handle is still very loose. His outside jumper will be a swing skill. He fired one 3 -- it wasn't a pretty miss, and his mechanics were stiff. His growth as a perimeter weapon and high-post hub will be interesting to follow along the course of the season.


Big question going forward this cycle: What Almansa's defensive position? Almansa's draft stock may be tied to his positional fit. He'll have to show scouts and teams he can be a big man that can defend in space and provide some value as a disruptor -- whether it comes with rim protection or deflections/steals. If he can't be a 5, his road as a 4 is a bit murky with both his outside jumper and his perimeter defense. Nonetheless, his potential as an elite role player could be a clear fit on any winning team.



Other Players to watch:

  • Tyler Smith, G League Ignite. The Overtime Elite alumnus has upside as a big forward that can space the floor and do a pinch of stuff off the dribble. Over the course of the season, showcasing consistency and defensive prowess could determine his trajectory.

  • Babacar Sane, G League Ignite. Sane had a fun game with his creation juice, but he also just forced a lot of stuff. He needs to improve his decision-making (0 assists against 4 turnovers), and he has to show he can fit in a system. Nonetheless, he's a fun wild card as a 6'6" ball-handling/slashing wing.

  • Jordan Usher, Perth Wildcast. Usher is the Perth's secondary draft prospect. It wasn't a great game for him, though he found a groove late. It'll be interesting to see his growth as an offensive weapon through the NBL season.

Film and stats from Synergy Sports


Follow me on X (@PAKA_FLOCKA) and on Instagram (@parker.fleming.hoops) for more draft/prospect content. Subscribe to SubTsakalidis for my Memphis Grizzlies work, donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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