Memphis Grizzlies showcased their blistering offense as they prepared for the New Orleans Pelicans, who have struggled to keep pace. With their recent five-game streak averaging 140.4 points and achieving their all-time high of 155 points against the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies appear to be unstoppable.
Rookie forward Jalen Wells commented, "We’re just moving the ball around." Wells, who scored 17 points against Toronto, underscored the team's high pace and prolific three-point shooting, contributing to their success on the court. The team registered 36 assists, completing 58 out of 109 field goal attempts, asserting their dominance offensively.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies' previous victory signified the disparity between their offensive prowess and their upcoming opponents. Remarkably, just last week, Memphis broke franchise records by besting the Golden State Warriors with 27 three-pointers and winning 144-93, marking the largest victory margin of the season.
Despite the apparent weaknesses displayed by the Pelicans, Grizzlies Coach Taylor Jenkins emphasized the importance of defensive consistency. On the other hand, the Pelicans found themselves at the receiving end of the Houston Rockets' offense, suffering from earlier matches marked by low competitiveness. Coach Willie Green noted the deficiencies exhibited by his squad, stating, "From start to finish, there was a lack of competitiveness from our players." The Pelicans, who recently faced their eighth consecutive loss, were unable to lead at any point during their 111-128 defeat against the Rockets.
Green's frustrations were echoed by Pelicans forward Herbert Jones, highlighting the team's inadequacies. "We all need to be much, much, much, much, much, much, much, much tougher," Jones remarked, emphasizing the need for improved physicality and defensive efforts.
The Grizzlies' scoring feats come after displaying solid defense throughout the season, averaging 123.7 points, which currently ranks them at the top of the NBA. Their recent performances provide a stark reminder of their capabilities and aspirations as they roam throughout the league.
The Pelicans' woes can be traced back to injuries throughout the season, impacting their competitiveness across games. Nevertheless, their challenges extend beyond just missing players, with lackluster performances negatively affecting morale. The recent defeat against the Rockets emphasized these flaws, as the Pelicans allowed significantly high scores, painting their struggles even more clearly.
The Grizzlies, determined to maintain their superior form, prepare for another encounter, hoping to extend their remarkable run. Their offensive capabilities, combined with newfound defensive consistency, position them as formidable opponents moving forward.
Success breeds confidence, and both the Grizzlies and Pelicans find themselves on divergent paths as they navigate the challenges of the NBA season. Can the Pelicans address their deficiencies and return to competitive form? Or will the Grizzlies continue their ascent, battling for playoff positioning as the season progresses? Only time will tell as the intensity of the competition heats up.
