Some common season losses sting a little bit extra in skilled sports activities, even within the NBA’s 82 video games. It was arduous to disregard how Taylor Jenkins used one-word solutions after the Memphis Grizzlies misplaced to Alperen Sengun’s Houston Rockets on January 9. Happily, the Grizzlies (25-14) responded properly after a disconcerting defeat in opposition to the Rockets (25-12) due to Jacques Morantlate-game heroics in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves (January 11). Then for Zach Edey And Jaren Jackson Jr.. is a revenge recreation in Houston (Jan. 13) with second place within the Western Convention on the road.
A loss might drop Memphis again to fourth place relying on how the Denver Nuggets fare. Jenkins little question spent further time throughout a film session making an attempt to determine how Ime Udoka slows down Memphis’ offense. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies to a document top-four end within the convention standings after 40 video games. Nevertheless, they’re simply 12-11 in opposition to convention opponents.
For a workforce that’s second to final in turnovers, it might be time to take a look at the pick-and-roll extra typically, particularly in Houston. The Grizzlies have moved away from the NBA’s most used motion this season, however getting some PnR reps now and giving the Rockets a unique look would a minimum of give the teaching workers a bigger pattern measurement. Something to get Sengun and Steven Adams out of the paint.
This isn’t to say that Morant and Jackson Jr. are attempting to brute pressure a street win by instantly adopting a two-man offensive recreation plan. Keep on with what has labored for probably the most half. To depart Desmond BaneSanti Aldama and Zach Edey become involved early however have the 2 stars work collectively and see what occurs. They have not spent many minutes collectively in comparison with different stars because of Morant’s accidents.
Begin Zach Edey in additional motion as a screener. Let the rookie massive man bruise Adams and Sengun when Jackson Jr. takes a breather. Hiding Edey within the nook for prolonged intervals does Houston a favor. The Grizzlies have to make the Rockets extra uncomfortable for a full 48 minute drive. This was not the case in the course of the earlier two conferences.
The Rockets let the Grizzlies complain
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Memphis truly had a 12-point lead on October 25, 2024, earlier than shedding all momentum in a 20-point blowout. Houston made seven extra pictures (98-91) and sank them at a greater price (43.9%-41.8%). In the meantime, the Grizzlies made seven fewer three-pointers (17-10) whereas nearly refusing to make their free throws (22-36).
The Grizzlies have been utterly dominated on rebounds (64-43). The Rockets pulled down 23 offensive rebounds, successful this battle by 9. Turnovers have been tied at 19 apiece, however Houston was the one workforce to transform alternatives. The Rockets had 29 factors due to turnovers; the Grizzlies completed with simply 13. Jalen Inexperienced and Fred VanVleet celebrated on the sidelines because the scoreboard learn 128-108 when the fourth-quarter clock hit zero.
The second recreation was tense till the final shot however the Grizzlies failed at dwelling (119-115). This was to be anticipated after the Rockets made much more pictures (12). Memphis made extra in complete (42-41) however Houston gained the three-point battle by 9 factors (13-10).
Jenkins might do nothing however watch because the Grizzlies recorded fewer rebounds, assists, steals and quick break factors, however extra fouls. The Rockets had 20 extra factors due to turnovers (31-11). Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. merely had no reply for Sengun (32 factors, 14 rebounds, 5 assists). Large rookie Zach Edey (4 factors, three rebounds, 5 fouls) was ineffective.
Memphis wants extra dedication on defensive switches, higher communication and a extra flattering shot contest price than turnover price worries. Do all this whereas holding Adams and Sengun off the boards and Ja Morant’s Grizzlies ought to have an opportunity to steal a second straight street victory.
In any other case, Sengun’s Rockets can have gained the season sequence and arrange a vital tiebreaker. This can be a robust state of affairs for Jaren Jackson Jr.’s possibilities and the Grizzlies contemplating they’ve the second stays probably the most troublesome calendar.
