Grizzlies Plummet Continues

For the majority of the season, the Memphis Grizzlies stood as one of the top teams in the NBA. They were second in a crowded Western Conference whilst having a several-game lead over their competition. They were one of the highest-scoring teams in the NBA, and their star player Ja Morant had returned from his injuries and suspensions last year. This coincides with Jaren Jackson Jr. having arguably the best statistical season of his career thus far emerging into the star player that many thought he could be. However, over the past few weeks, the once powerhouse team has plummeted from its previous position as one of the NBA’s forefront teams.

After last night’s 134-125 loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Grizzlies have now dropped eight of their last 10 games causing them to plummet from their previous position as the number two seed in the Western Conference. Last night’s loss to the Warriors in particular stings as this drops them to the number six seed in the West and in a tie with the Minnesota Timberwolves who hold the first Play-In Tournament position, a team that, as of this moment, has won seven of their last 10 games. It is also worth noting that the Grizzlies also only stand a half-game ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers who themselves have seen a surge of late winning eight of their last 10 games. The Clippers currently hold the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

This period of trouble for the Grizzlies is also coupled with the team having fired their coach Taylor Jenkins last week, a controversial move given the playoffs are right around the corner. Since Jenkins’ firing, the team has since dropped their first three games under interim coach Tuomas Lisalo. The Grizzlies may also feel further turmoil if the NBA decides to suspend Ja Morant for his actions in the team’s last game against the Warriors. Late in last night’s game, Ja Morant made what appeared to be a gun gesture toward Buddy Hield and the Warriors’ bench earning a technical foul for the action. Given Morant’s history involving guns which has led to him being suspended twice for a combined 33 games, it would be no shock if the league were to suspend him for another game or two following this latest incident. This would take away the focal point of the Grizzlies’ offense once more in the tail end of this season. While we don’t know whether or not the NBA will take action against Morant, the Grizzlies must find some way to right the ship or risk plummeting further into oblivion, with or without their star.