It would have been nice to kick off the Grizzlies’ final west coast road trip of the season with a win, wouldn’t it? Alas… This was not supposed to happen. Like Memphis couldn’t close out last night’s contest in Sac-Town.
The Grizzlies fell to the Kings in overtime.
It was a close game until the final seconds of regulation. Which is always a disappointing way to end a fight. And yet… There were several points throughout the game where it didn’t just seem within reach…
But it seemed like the Grizzlies were the better of the two teams.
Which makes the loss even more frustrating. And yet, there were still things to like… And things not to do. As we continue this final stretch of the season, everyone is worth keeping an eye on.
Two things I liked…
It was his second game back and hello Bob, it was good to see him hoop. And it seems Des missed the field… About as much as we missed him playing.
And last night was no different. He built on his first night back and exploded for even more points against the Kings. He scored 24 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST and 3 STL. Des did a little bit of everything the Grizzlies needed.
But what is perhaps the most relieving thing of all? When it comes to Bane’s return?
For me, it’s the fearlessness to make your shots. A lot of guys might have to get back into the speed – NBA speed – of things… Not Des.
He attempted 19 shots at the basket last night. And that level of offense is what this team was missing in his absence. The fact that he doesn’t miss a beat when he returns is more than a good sign.
And that’s exactly what we’ll need from him next season. Once this team is back and firing on all cylinders.
One thing Taylor Jenkins has made clear in these losses… is that he’s ready to play these guys in the playoffs no matter what. In victory or in defeat.
And last night was no different. At all actually. In fact, it may have been last night that presented the most evidence yet. The most proof that the guys and this team are ready to play big moments if necessary.
Concrete example… Last night? How many Grizzlies do you think have played more than 30 minutes? Six. Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, John Konchar, GG Jackson II and Jake LaRavia.
Of these six, do you know how many played at least 35 minutes? All except “Jitty”.
Let’s dig deeper… How many of these five saw the field for more than 40 minutes in total? Two. GG and Jake.
These are big minutes for the young guys. And big boy minutes for this whole sextet. If I was the head coach of Memphis, the fact that the guys are holding up? With an increased workload, in the middle of a “losing” season?
This would go a long way toward solidifying what the rotation will look like next season. It looks like the team will be fine.
…And one thing I didn’t do…
- What about these TNOs?
Northwest Territories. Do you know what that means? I’ll give you a hint. It’s not “Ninja with Tinnitus.” Neither are the “non-working turtles.” Although that’s a good guess, I think.
No, it means “Not with the team”. And there were two Grizzlies players who received that designation last night.
Luke Kennard and Lamar Stevens. Kennard was “not with the team” for personal reasons. While Stevens? He has been dealing with injuries/illnesses that have kept him “not with the team”.
I don’t doubt the status of either. Far from there.
What I do, however, is express my disappointment. Because both still have things to play for in the final stretch of this season. Both.
Kennard has yet to sign an extension and is expected to rain fire from deep until he does. And Lamar has no guarantee he’ll be on this list next season. If I were one of them…I’d line my ducks in a row and scratch for every minute I could get.
Fingers crossed that both will be available for Memphis soon. Or at least don’t be “Not with the Team.” I would prefer a DNP before that next time. At least we’ll know they’re in the building.
Photo credit: (Randall Benton/AP Photo)
