Grizzlies Struggle Amid Injuries in Fourth Quarter Collapse Against Nets
In a closely contested matchup at the Barclays Center, the Memphis Grizzlies found themselves on the losing side against the Brooklyn Nets, succumbing to a 13-point deficit in a tumultuous fourth quarter. Entering the final frame trailing by just one point, the Grizzlies were poised for a strong finish. However, the absence of key players and an expanding injury list disrupted their game plan, resulting in a challenging night for head coach Taylor Jenkins.
The situation worsened quickly as Memphis found their single-point deficit balloon to 13 within eight minutes of the fourth quarter. Without the leadership of their star player, Ja Morant, for much of this critical stretch, the team struggled to maintain offensive rhythm and defensive composure. Morant, already cautious about his minutes in the early season, emphasized the importance of patience, saying, "Obviously, it's a process. You got to be smart. You don't want to go throw me in there for 36 minutes."
Compounding the Grizzlies' woes was the limited availability of Jaren Jackson Jr., who sat out for over four minutes during this crucial fourth-quarter span. Injuries to key personnel further strained the Grizzlies' depth, as Desmond Bane exited early with an oblique injury, and Marcus Smart was forced to leave the game due to a right ankle issue. "There's a lot of things on the table," Jenkins lamented. "We have guys getting hurt in the middle of the game, so we're having to adjust."
The constant shuffling of lineups has been a recurring theme for Memphis as Jenkins navigates an arduous early schedule. With six games in just nine days, the Grizzlies' rotation has been in flux, often relying on an 11- or 12-man rotation in these opening matchups. During a pivotal stretch in the game, from the 9:20 mark to the 5:58 mark, Jenkins opted for an all-bench lineup, a gamble that did not pay off as hoped.
This fluid lineup strategy has been both a necessity and a challenge, striving to preserve player health while building team chemistry. "Every game is presenting a new opportunity to try to find chemistry," Jenkins noted, underscoring the team's ongoing quest for cohesion amidst evolving circumstances. Despite this, the team's fast-paced style remains unwavering, with Memphis ranking second in the league for offensive pace. However, this has not translated to extended individual playing time, as Santi Aldama leads the team at just 27.7 minutes per game, and no player has yet logged 30 minutes in a single game this season.
The Grizzlies, now holding a 2-3 record, share the distinction with the Golden State Warriors as the only teams without a player averaging at least 30 minutes per game. Jenkins' measured approach to player minutes is not without reason, as he and the medical staff carefully manage Ja Morant's return to peak physical condition following his preseason absence. "We're working with him and the medical team about how we want to deploy him over this stretch right now," Jenkins explained, highlighting the delicate balance between game readiness and player welfare.
As the Grizzlies look to regroup and recover, the challenges of lineup adjustments and player conditioning continue to influence their performance on the court. The early season adversity serves as a test of resilience and adaptability for a team determined to navigate their current setbacks and find success in the games ahead.