We have known for a long time that in Memphis, the hustle is enjoyed in the morning for breakfast. From there to take as much his foot in front of impossible challenges? Last night, the Grizzlies did the unthinkable by beating the Suns 122 to 114. So far nothing amazing, except when you realize the players who were present and absent from the field this Friday.
It is to believe that the more complicated it is, the better it is for them.
The Grizzlies, real darling of this NBA 2021-22 season, have been transporting their fans and those of surrounding areas since last October. With a young group, a spectacular superstar, an exciting game, a fiery audience and a real working culture, everyone falls in love with this beautiful band of athletes who seem to love being simply… together. Proof being, these numerous post-match photos where Tyler Jenkins’ players gather in front of the camera, just to strike the funniest pose possible. Tonight ? The Tennessee coach had a strange mission to manage, with his group under his command but half of the players in sweaters and jeans. Indeed, from the start of the match, we realize that there are many absentees in Memphis.
No Ja Morant.
No Jaren Jackson Jr.
No Desmond Bane.
No Steven Adams.
No Tyus Jones.
Four incumbents unavailable? With your back-up point guard also absent, knowing that we are talking regarding one of the cleanest conductors in the entire NBA? Normally that should do it for the opposite team. Facing Dillon Brooks, Kyle Anderson, De’Anthony Melton, Xavier Tillman and Ziaire Williams, there’s nothing to fear. All the more so as in front… these are the freaking Phoenix Suns who were in town. The Suns, by Monty Williams, almost complete. The Suns with Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder and Deandre Ayton in the major five. The Suns, the best record in the entire NBA, number 1 in the Western Conference ahead of… Memphis. The Suns with a bench made up of JaVale McGee, Cameron Payne, the return of Cam Johnson, the minutes of Torrey Craig and the shots of Landry Shamet. In the opposing camp? Well with all these absentees, it gives a bench dictated by Brandon Clarke, Santi Aldama and John Konchar. No need to be a guesser, looking at these numbers, to think that the Suns will take place in Memphis … well no. Attacked from the start by a leading Brooks and a very warm public, the friends of CP3 will take a gap in the first quarter (34-23) and this error will cost the visitors dearly. Because yes, having given hope to this troop, it is the Grizzlies who will take the game on their own and offer themselves one of the most beautiful and improbable victories of the season.
Lack of discipline from the Suns? For sure. Determination and collective in Memphis? Also. Apart from Kyle Anderson and Jarrett Culver, everyone puts at least 10 points, and the nerve sweats on each action. It’s a huge once morest Melton, alone in defense. It’s a stubborn and-one by Brooks, with the celebration that goes with it. These are the penetrations of Aldama or Konchar, when Tillman was not doing a monster job once morest a far too tender Ayton. From first to last man, the Grizzlies will get high and adding another dose of difficulty with the expulsion of their coach, Taylor Jenkins, in the middle of the game. Well, go ahead, play with your eyes closed while we’re at it? No problem for the cubs. Even with the comeback started by the Suns in the last quarter, there was no panic on board. Just kids who love to play together, and who will do the right thing for the unmarked pal. So an offensive rebound scraped by Clarke, or a nice caviar from Ziaire. In front of an audience hallucinated by this performance, and a usual five major in a sweater who might no longer see the highlights scroll, these Grizzlies team D will simply bring down the Suns at home. And remind us, once once more, that this troupe has something unique regarding it. Talent, of course, but a sense of sacrifice, teamwork, ambition and fun in the game that can only make you want to support them. It’s not strong what these guys are doing, it’s just outstanding.
What does it take to really weaken these Grizzlies? Make them start a match 50 points behind? Even then, these guys would be able to take it personally and pull off the comeback of the century. Memphis ideally approaches its Playoffs, with an ultra-motivated and ambitious team, which sees itself where no one sees them: as far as possible. When you see games like tonight’s, you can’t stop them from aiming so high. Enjoy the ride while it lasts.
