The Memphis Grizzlies have been scary good this season. That has been the case even though the team has faced their fair share of injury woes. Head coach Taylor Jenkins has utilized a large rotation that has 12 players averaging over 15 minutes per contest, and none averaging more than 28.
The coaching strategy has certainly worked thus far. The Grizzlies are 21-10 which is the third-best record in the Western Conference. They are just a half game behind the Houston Rockets who are in second. The offense has been reaching heights not seen before for the team. On Thursday, they set a franchise scoring record.
Grizzlies Set Franchise Record Amidst Excellent Offensive Season
Grizzlies Set Franchise Single Game Scoring Record On Thursday
On Thursday night, the Grizzlies won their 21st game of the season, defeating the Toronto Raptors at home. Memphis scored a whopping 155 points in the victory. In both the first and third quarters, they totaled 43 points. They let up a tad in the second and fourth stanzas, scoring 35 and 34 respectively.
The 155 points is a new franchise record for a single game. The Grizzlies previous record came on December 2, 2021, when they dropped 152 in a blowout win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. This is the Grizzlies 30th season, with the first six when they were known as the Vancouver Grizzlies.
Remarkably, Memphis scored 155 points on the Raptors without anyone scoring more than 21 points. That total was reached by Jaren Jackson Jr. and rookie Zach Edey. Five others scored at least 15 on the night for the Grizzlies.
Grizzlies Offense Has Been Cooking All Season
While Thursday was a season-best night on offense for the Grizzlies, they have been one of the best offensive teams all season. Their 123.7 points per outing lead the NBA. Memphis has an offensive rating of 117.2 which ranks gotten in the league. The Grizzlies have the fifth-best field goal percentage of 48.7. Through 31 games, Memphis has scored at least 104 points in every one of them.
As mentioned, the Grizzlies don’t play anyone heavy minutes. This allows players to stay fresh throughout the game. Memphis plays at a frenetic pace averaging a league-high 105.37 possessions per 48 minutes.
Playing Well Despite Dealing With Share Of Injuries
The Grizzlies have been able to tire out teams on offense and go deeper than most despite having some injury issues of their own.
GG Jackson II, an All-Rookie Second Team member last season, has yet to play a game. Edey, a Rookie of the Year candidate, has missed 12 outings. Star point guard Ja Morant has also missed that number. Marcus Smart has not played in 13 contests, and Vince Williams Jr. has only appeared in three.
Now Santi Aldama is hurt. He sustained a left ankle injury on Thursday in the first quarter and did not return. Memphis certainly hopes it is not an injury that will keep the 23-year-old out of action for some time.
The Grizzlies will look to continue the offensive onslaught on Friday as they head on the road to take on the New Orleans Pelicans.
