As November draws to a close, the NBA has broached the mark. Twenty games might not look like a whole lot, but there is plenty which could be taken away from the play of any team through this point in this season.
The season has been a surprising one so much, even more so. Up and down, the Southwest has not played out how anyone expected it to.
So, how have these teams performed to this stage in the season?
Memphis Grizzlies — B+
Grit and Grind hasn’t made a comeback, like it was 2013, but this season was started by the Memphis Grizzlies.
While they’ve come back down by a sudden start, the 12-8 Grizzlies sit at the top of the branch and appear much improved from 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 games, has rebounded after he missed most of last season due to injury, and his return has galvanized his veteran partner in crime, Marc Gasol.
Gasol has boosted his numbers following an abysmal 2017; the Spaniard is one of five players this season to average at least 18 points, nine rebounds, one steal and one block per game. Meanwhile, Kyle Anderson, Garrett Temple and Shelvin Mack have proved competent additions.
Rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. has also played in a high level; the former Michigan State Spartan has averaged 12.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, a steal and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 34.9 percent on 2.2 three-point attempts per game.
The Grizzlies were not expected by many to lead the division at the quarter mark, or maybe any markers, this year. Where they’ve found themselves, but, with all the New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets underperforming to a substantial degree, this is. They are able to consider their year a success so far, although they might not hold all season.
Read more: sharednewspaper.com
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