{"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

Long-Term Fits: Capitalizing on opportunity in Memphis

Original Date: 2020-03-24





Taking chances is a part of a rebuild.


Whether it’s the former top-5 pick that hasn’t found his footing yet, the young player thrown into a trade, or the first-round prospect plagued with injuries, it never hurts to take a chance. The Grizzlies have been doing this with multiple players, because they have the luxury to do so — they’re set with their stars.


In addition, they’ve nailed it with some young potential complementary players — Brandon Clarke, Dillon Brooks, De’Anthony Melton, and Tyus Jones. They also have younger veterans like Jonas Valanciunas and Kyle Anderson that are key cogs to the system in place.


Because of the Grizzlies’ success here, they have the flexibility to use roster spots on fliers on young players. Grayson Allen, Josh Jackson, Jontay Porter, and John Konchar are all players that could find a role in the Grizzlies’ future. All, excluding Porter, have flashed the promise to do so.


As I alluded to in my last piece, the Grizzlies will need to make some decisions eventually. It’s the nature of the beast in today’s NBA.


With that said, what long-term approach should they take on these fliers? Do any of them have long-term staying power?


Potentially Nice Depth, but Questionable Future with Team

  • Grayson Allen (24 years old, under rookie contract through 2021-22)

  • Josh Jackson (23 years old, UFA this offseason)


Both of these players came into Memphis with certain baggage. Grayson Allen was known more for his tripping and temper antics than his production on the court. Josh Jackson, on the other hand, had off-court issues that were shaky at best. Nonetheless, it seems to be forgotten, since both players have proven their worth on the court.


Injuries plagued his season, but Grayson Allen had a solid stretch where he served as a spark off the bench. After his first ankle injury, Allen averaged 7.4 points and 1.4 assists in 16.5 minutes a game, while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from 3. His 3-level scoring, defensive energy, and 3-point marksmanship was a nice lift off the bench. With his rookie deal expiring in 2022, he likely has a role on this team beyond this season.


Josh Jackson has been a fun story this season. After spending the first several months of the season with the Memphis Hustle, Jackson finally got his call and has delivered. The Grizzlies are 7.9 points better with him on the court than off, per Cleaning the Glass. In Memphis, he’s become a more efficient player on both ends of the court, as he notched a career-best True Shooting Percentage (53.9) and Defensive Box Plus/Minus (+1.2).


He has emerged as a potential complementary player for the Grizzlies both short- and long-term, but his pending free agency makes things hazy. Does another team see his progress in Memphis and take a chance? Does Memphis get priced out beyond the 1 year, $8.9 million they can offer him?


Despite what the long-term future holds for Allen and Jackson, it’s been nice to see them prove their worth on the court — the perfect cash-in on a flier.


Cheap Flier Worth Looking In To"

  • Jontay Porter (20 years old, league minimum with team option for next season)

  • John Konchar (23 years old, two-way contract)


Jontay Porter and John Konchar will probably be the Grizzlies’ 14th and 15th roster spots next season, and they will be perfect insurance for whatever hits the Grizzlies.


Former GBBer Chip Williams wrote a great, extensive blog on Jontay Porter and his fit with Memphis</a>, and it’s promising. Porter projects more as a fourth big behind Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke, and Jonas Valanciunas, which isn’t a bad thing at all. He’s an extraordinary passer for his position and has excellent touch from mid-range to 3. Though his defense is limited, his offensive repertoire and skillset make up for it. If he is healthy, he’ll surely get some reps with the Hustle and a shot to prove his long-term worth with Memphis. However, if his knee problems persists, it’s a cheap way to clear a roster spot.


I did a deeper dive on John Konchar earlier this week, highlighting why the Grizzlies should give him a look at the main roster. His ability to impact the game without scoring is marvelous, and his scoring efficiency is great as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Grizzlies use Anthony Tolliver or Marko Guduric’s roster spots next season to make room for John Konchar, while also freeing up a two-way spot for more fliers.


We don’t know what the future holds for Grayson Allen, Josh Jackson, Jontay Porter, and John Konchar because they’ve proven that they have NBA-caliber potential. That’s a huge credit to the front office for taking a look at them, and to Coach Jenkins for finding how to utilize Konchar, Jackson, and Allen in particular successfully.


Because of their front office success, the Grizzlies can afford to take chances — whether it’s the big trade, a risky draft pick, a player with injury concerns, or a reclamation flier. And with the returns thus far, we should give them the benefit of the doubt when they make these moves.


Maybe, one day, that flier they take will become an integral part in the Grizzlies’ championship aspirations.

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