The mark has been broached by the NBA, as November draws to a close. Twenty games might not look like a lot, but there’s plenty that could be taken away from the play of any group through this point in this season.
The season has been a surprising one so much, even more so for its teams which live in the Southwest division. Down and up, the Southwest has not performed how anyone expected it to.
So, how have these teams performed to this point in the season?
Memphis Grizzlies — B+
Grit and Grind hasn’t made a comeback, but this season was began by the Memphis Grizzlies like it had been 2013.
While they’ve come back down by a sudden start, that the 12-8 Grizzlies sit at the peak of the division and look much improved by the 22-60 group they ran outside on the court . Mike Conley, who’s averaged 20.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 20 matches, has rebounded after he missed most of last season because of injury, and his return has galvanized his seasoned partner in crime, Marc Gasol.
Gasol has boosted his numbers following an abysmal 2017; the Spaniard is one of five players this year to average at least 18 points, nine rebounds, one steal and one block per game. Meanwhile, the Shelvin Mack, Kyle Anderson and Garrett Temple have demonstrated additions as well.
Rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. has also played at a high level; the former Michigan State Spartan has averaged 12.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, one steal and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 34.9 percent on 2.2 three-point attempts per game.
The Grizzlies weren’t anticipated by many to lead the branch at the quarter mark, or perhaps any markers, this season. However, with Houston Rockets underperforming and the New Orleans Pelicans into a significant degree, this is where they have found themselves. They may not hold onto that branch all season, but they are able to consider their year a success thus far.
Read more: mma-2019.com
