As the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Brooklyn Nets, the fourth quarter presented a deteriorating scenario for the Memphis team. Trailing by a single point as they entered the final quarter, the Grizzlies soon found themselves facing a sizable 13-point deficit, a situation exacerbated by the absence of some key players due to injuries and strategic rest.
Challenges in Rotation
Critical absences defined much of Memphis's difficulties during this period. The absence of Ja Morant for significant stretches of the quarter was palpable, as the team struggled to maintain momentum without their dynamic playmaker. Jaren Jackson Jr. was also missing from the court for a crucial four-minute stretch during this phase.
The injury woes compounded with Desmond Bane leaving the game early due to an oblique injury, followed by Marcus Smart, who exited with a right ankle injury. These abrupt departures placed a heavy burden on head coach Taylor Jenkins, who emphasized the challenges of managing an evolving roster. "There's a lot of things on the table. We have guys getting hurt in the middle of the game, so we're having to adjust," Jenkins said. "We're having guys out in the starting lineup, in and out, all that, so that kind of changes things."
Strategic Adjustments
With a lineup in flux, Jenkins made the strategic decision to utilize an all-bench unit from the 9:20 mark to the 5:58 mark of the game. Memphis has been experimenting with a deep rotation throughout their initial games this season, often eschewing the conventional reliance on a shorter bench. This has resulted in the Grizzlies becoming one of only two teams, alongside the Golden State Warriors, not to average at least one player with 30 minutes per game. Instead, Santi Aldama leads the team in playing time, averaging 27.7 minutes per game.
The team's approach speaks to a broader strategy focused on balancing playing time across the roster. As Taylor Jenkins articulated, "Every game is presenting a new opportunity to try to find chemistry." The unpredictable nature of player availability has necessitated this adaptable game-time strategy, with Jenkins managing contributions from across his lineup.
The High-Paced Offense
Despite these challenges, Memphis has remained committed to their fast-paced style of play, ranking second in the league for offensive pace. This approach has been a staple of their initial six-game run, which unfolded over a hectic nine-day stretch. Maintaining such a quick tempo has required careful management of player workloads, a task that has been made more complex by the Grizzlies' current injury concerns.
These demands have also shaped decisions regarding Ja Morant's playing time. He acknowledged the necessity of a cautious approach, stating, "Obviously, it's a process. You got to be smart. You don't want to go throw me in there for 36 minutes. God willing, nothing happens, but you just got to be smart." Jenkins echoed this sentiment, explaining the collaborative approach with the medical team in determining Morant's role during this period, given his limited preseason action.
Up and Down Start
Currently holding a 2-3 record, the Grizzlies find themselves navigating both on-court strategies and the complexities of maintaining a healthy roster. The team's start to the season has been marked by both misfortunate injuries and moments of potential, a blend of variables that Jenkins and his staff continue to juggle. As the team progresses through their schedule, the hope is that a deep and flexible rotation paves the path toward building consistent performance and player chemistry.
With a demanding pace set for the team, and six games already in the books, the Grizzlies are working through the early storylines of their season. As injuries gradually heal and rotations solidify, Memphis is poised to stabilize and find their rhythm, continuing their relentless drive for success in the competitive landscape of the league.