The Memphis Grizzlies’ Western Conference path to a title became tougher after the San Antonio Spurs\u2019 rise. The Grizzlies already faced a difficult road back to contention, but the emergence of the Spurs as Western Conference champions has raised the bar even higher. While Memphis is focused on its own rebuild and development timeline, San Antonio has provided a glimpse of what the conference’s next powerhouse may look like.<\/p>\n
The Grizzlies\u2019 recent dominance over the Spurs is officially a thing of the past as both teams have switched roles. While Memphis was thriving and San Antonio was rebuilding, the Grizzlies won 13 consecutive matchups between January 2021 and March 2024. Now, the Spurs have taken the next step that the Grizzlies’ previous era couldn\u2019t achieve<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Grizzlies’ Western Conference path now requires building a roster capable of competing with a young contender that appears positioned to remain among the NBA’s elite for years to come. Fortunately for Memphis, there are already clues regarding how that challenge can be met.<\/p>\n The number one reason the Grizzlies\u2019 Western Conference path got tougher is that the Spurs just became the second-youngest team in the shot clock era to reach the NBA Finals. With an average age of 25.06<\/a>, they only trail the 1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers\u2019 25.03.<\/p>\n The most alarming aspect of the Spurs’ NBA Finals appearance is how they won the West. They went on the road in a Game 7 against the defending champions and controlled the game. Along with the dominance of Victor Wembanyama<\/a>, their supporting cast answered the call despite their lack of postseason experience. Their early success has already put them in their championship window.<\/p>\n That reality directly impacts the Grizzlies’ Western Conference path. Not only did the Thunder win early with the now third-youngest team last season, but they were dethroned by an even younger team with no answer for their superstar big man.<\/p>\n The Grizzlies<\/a> must now compete with a franchise whose best players are still improving. Every offseason decision should be evaluated through the lens of how it helps close the gap with San Antonio over the next three to five years. However, the good news is that Memphis possesses one advantage that many teams do not.<\/p>\n Few players in the NBA have the combination of size, strength, and interior presence necessary to challenge Wembanyama physically. While no one truly “stops” a player of Wembanyama’s caliber, Zach Edey<\/a> gives Memphis something most teams lack with his 7\u20193\u201d, 300-pound frame.<\/p>\n While the Edey-Wembanyama showdown was missed last season due to injuries, Memphis\u2019 best hope for countering San Antonio starts with him. His size can force Wembanyama to expend more energy defensively, and his rebounding can help neutralize one of San Antonio’s biggest strengths. Most importantly, Edey’s ability to establish deep post position creates matchup problems that the Spurs won\u2019t be able to switch away from.<\/p>\n That doesn\u2019t mean Edey alone solves the problem. However, his development significantly influences the Grizzlies’ Western Conference path because he gives Memphis a unique foundation to build around.<\/p>\n Investing heavily in Edey’s growth should be the Grizzlies\u2019 priority moving forward. If he becomes a high-level starting center capable of consistently impacting playoff games, Memphis will possess one of the league’s most intriguing counters to San Antonio’s frontcourt dominance.<\/p>\n The Spurs didn\u2019t reach the NBA Finals solely because of Wembanyama. They surrounded him with players capable of making decisions, handling the ball, and creating offense. Their attack remains difficult to guard because the responsibility does not fall entirely on one player.<\/p>\nThe Memphis Grizzlies’ Western Conference Path Just Got Tougher<\/h2>\n
The Spurs Are Winning Young<\/b><\/h3>\n
Zach Edey May Be the NBA’s Best Wembanyama Matchup<\/h3>\n
Memphis Needs Multiple Playmakers to Keep Pace<\/h3>\n