When the Memphis Grizzlies took residence in the FedEx Forum in 2001, they quickly became an up and coming team as they compiled star talent, such as Pau Gasol and Shane Battier, and earned their first division championships in the 2003-2004 season. Recently, the Grizzlies have made a slow rise to the top, culminating in a scorching performance in the 2020-2021 NBA season. With a roster thats been rebuilt from the ground up and a coaching staff that has the team running like a well oiled machine, it should come as no surprise that many analysts are convinced that the Grizzlies are a favorite to take home a championship in the 2021 NBA playoffs.
The Powerful Roster and Veteran Leadership of the 2021 Grizzlies
The backbone of any successful NBA team is its roster. Rarely does a championship caliber team have anything less than a star-studded lineup, and the 2021 Memphis Grizzlies are no different. Led by Ja Morant – their point guard and “general on the court” – the Grizzlies have an impressive roster filled with All-Star caliber players. The starting lineup is rounded out by Brandon Clarke, Jonas Valanciunas, Dillon Brooks, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson.
These core players collectively form a strong team and provide the Grizzlies with the veteran savvy that only experienced players can bring. The depth of the Grizzlies is equally impressive, with a bench that includes Brandon Roy, Xavier Tillman, and Sean McDermott, among others. These talented players give the Grizzlies the necessary tools needed to make a deep playoff run.
The Grizzlies are also led by a seasoned professional coaching staff. Taylor Jenkins is the head coach, and is supported by a solid group of assistants. Jenkins is a veteran coach who has worked directly with NBA superstars such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry. His understanding of the game and the way it needs to be played to win a championship certainly gives the Grizzlies an advantage.
The Play Style of the 2021 Grizzlies
When analyzing a team's success, it is important to look at the type of play they are utilizing. For the Memphis Grizzlies, the play-style is a mixture of a fast-paced offense, with a grind-it-out defense. This type of play allows the team to take advantage of their athleticism and shooting ability, while still playing a strong defensive game.
On offense, the Grizzlies are a run-and-gun team that prefers to push the tempo and score when in transition. Ja Morant is a key asset for the Grizzlies in this regard, as his speed and expert ball handling skills allow him to consistently create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Brandon Clarke also plays a major role in the team's offensive arsenal, providing a constant presence around the rim and a reliable post scorer.
On defense, the Grizzlies have an impressive defensive rating of 105.7, which ranks in the top-10 in the league. They are an aggressive team that constantly applies pressure. The defensive player of the year, Jonas Valanciunas, is an excellent rim protector who makes it difficult for the opposing teams to score in the paint. The team also plays solid team defense and is extremely well conditioned, making them tough to score against in the 4th quarter.
Making a Championship Run in 2021
It is evident that the Memphis Grizzlies have put together a well rounded team with great individual talents and a solid coaching staff. If the team continues to play with the same level of intensity and proficiency that they have displayed in the regular season, then there is no reason why the Grizz can’t make an impressive playoff run this year.
At SW418 Casino Online Philippines, we are confident that the Memphis Grizzlies have what it takes to become the 2021 NBA Champions. With a roster filled with veterans and an impressive playstyle, we think the Grizz are primed to make an impressive run. So make sure to watch the Grizzlies play in this year’s playoffs and don’t forget to check out SW418 Casino Online Philippines for an enjoyable post game experience.