NBA Daily: First Quarter Grades: Southwest Division
As November draws to a close, the NBA has broached the quarter-season mark. Twenty games may not look like a whole lot, but there’s a lot which could be taken away in the drama of any group through this point in this season.
The 2018-19 season has been rather a surprising one so far, even more so. Down and up, the Southwest has not performed how anyone expected it to.
How have these teams?
Memphis Grizzlies — B+
Grit and Grind has not made a comeback, but the Memphis Grizzlies started this year like it was 2013.
While they have come back down by a sudden start, that the 12-8 Grizzlies sit at the top of the branch and look much improved by the 22-60 squad they ran outside on the court last season. Mike Conley, who’s averaged 20.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 20 matches, has rebounded after he missed most of last season because of injury, and his return has his seasoned partner in crime, Marc Gasol.
Gasol has boosted his numbers following an abysmal 2017; the Spaniard is one of five players this year to average at least 18 points, nine rebounds, one steal and one block per game. Meanwhile, the Kyle Anderson Garrett Temple and Shelvin Mack have demonstrated additions.
Rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. has also played in a high degree; 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 anticipated by many to lead the branch at the quarter mark, or perhaps some mark, this year. Where they have found themselves, but, with the New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets underperforming to a degree, this is. They are able to think about their year a success so far, although they may not hold all season.
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