No term best describes the Memphis Grizzlies’ magnificent resurgence in the Western Conference this season. Given the endless number of injuries the Grizzlies have suffered all over their depth chart, it’s been both a revelation and an outstanding job performed by head coach Taylor Jenkins to get them to this point. Jenkins’ empathetic selfless approach has exuded its way to the hardwood for the Grizzlies. The self-sacrificing playstyle has been exemplified best through the Grizzlies’ passing and playmaking.
Grizzlies Guards’ Selflessness Instrumental to Success
Through January 5th, the Memphis Grizzlies rank second in the league in assists. They’re posting the fifth-best offensive rating this season. The Grizzlies’ passing has been a focal point for their transcendent next-man-up mentality offense. Four Grizzlies are averaging at least three assists a game this season. (Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Luke Kennard, Scotty Pippen Jr., as well as now-former Grizzly Marcus Smart) Swingmen guard Vince Williams Jr made his long-awaited return to the hardwood in last night’s road win against the Toronto Raptors. Taylor Jenkins’ offense hasn’t been a matchup-hunting-dependent offense this season. Instead, the Grizzlies rely on perpetual movement and cutting. The Grizzlies as a unit are seventh in the NBA in points scored off of cuts. During this possession, the Grizzlies didn’t make their initial first field goal attempt, but check out the seamless action and unselfishness displayed through their passing.
If Ja would’ve made this shot it may have been one of the best basketball sequences I’ve ever seen. pic.twitter.com/HP0ni55hwz
— Memphis Grizzlies Uniforms (@GrizzUnis) February 6, 2025
Grizzlies’ Unselfish Half-Court Passing
The Memphis Grizzlies infrequently rely solely on the pick and roll to generate offense or enhance their playmaking capabilities. Mostly, their half-court initiators will read and react off of simple screen and dribble-hand-off actions. For example, their ball-handling guards may redirect a pass in the pick and roll to the weak side corner to keep the defense honest instead of force-feeding the roll man. Simultaneously though, the initial orchestrator may relocate to another open space in the half-court, as does the rest of the offense. If the weak-side guy is unable to create an adequate shot opportunity, there’s always the option to reset in P&R or a DHO. The constant motion by default keeps coverages in endless rotations.
Ja Morant on what he likes about the evolving offense this season: pic.twitter.com/SPc1E8wVAx
— Bluff City Media Grizzlies (@bcmGrizzlies) February 4, 2025
The Grizzlies orchestrate the fewest pick-and-rolls in the NBA. The most simplistic playmaking action run by modern NBA offenses hasn’t been depended on by Taylor Jenkins for Memphis to be one of the game’s most high-powering offenses. The Grizzlies’ guards, regardless of player hierarchy enjoy moving the basketball around and elevating each other. This season, Ja Morant is averaging 0.84 points per possession in the pick-and-roll. Desmond Bane this season, is averaging 0.93 points per possession. Two of the Grizzlies’ higher-usage playmakers have both epitomized a less-is-more approach for the betterment of the roster.
Amidst an up-and-down injury report, the Grizzlies have still managed to showcase their vast depth and willingness to elevate each other, through their passing and playmaking. Shockingly so, there are still some levels for them to reach on the offensive end. With improved health and a post-All-Star break awaiting them, that may be an intimidating sight for the rest of the Western Conference.
Photo Credit: © Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
