Insider Insights: San Antonio Avoids Another Season Sweep By Memphis

Brandon Clarke got his first start of the season for the Grizzlies to break the record for most starting lineups used in a season for an NBA team since starting lineups were tracked in the 1982-83 season with their 50th different lineup. In his first start this season, Brandon Clarke scored six of the Grizzlies’ first 14 points to help them to an early 14-9 lead.

Zavier Simpson and Timmy Allen entered the game to help the remaining starting group extend the Grizzlies’ run to 15-0 to take a 23-9 lead but the Spurs responded with a 7-2 run to cut their deficit to 25-16 to end the first quarter. The Spurs then opened the second quarter by continuing their run to 14-4 to cut their deficit to 27-23. Their run eventually led to tied score at 37 midway through the second quarter but the Grizzlies responded with an 8-3 run to regain a 45-40 advantage before carrying a 49-48 lead into the half.

The Spurs opened the third quarter on an 18-7 run to regain and extend their lead to 66-56 midway through the quarter. That spurt continued as they led by as many as 16 points in the third before leading 77-61 entering the 4th quarter. The fourth quarter went by quickly as the Spurs held serve to end their losing streak against the Grizzlies with a 102-87 victory in their final matchup of the season.

Now for the main takeaway:

The Utilization of the Three Two-Way Slots

The Grizzlies took full advantage of the NBA’s two-way contract change last summer that upgraded the amount of players teams can have on it from two to three. After drafting GG Jackson with their only draft pick last year in the second round, the Grizzlies added him to a two-way contract without cutting another two-way player at that time due to the rule change.

After beginning the season with Jacob Gilyard, Vince Williams Jr., and GG Jackson on the two-way contracts, injuries to nearly everyone who’s worn a Grizzlies uniform this season have completely flipped that trio into Scotty Pippen Jr., Jordan Goodwin, and Trey Jemison. Due to more opportunities, Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson impressed enough to earn full-time roster spots and Jacob Gilyard impressed enough to earn another two-way shot with the Brooklyn Nets after exhausting nearly all of his active-roster eligibility with the Grizzlies.

The current group of two-way prospects has had plenty of chances to show what they can provide and each has made a case to be on somebody’s roster next season and have started the past three games together. With more opportunity down the stretch of this season for the current two-way guys to show their skills for the Grizzlies, the NBA’s decision to increase the two-way slots has been a success for the Memphis Grizzlies in what has otherwise been a tough season.

Jordan Goodwin notched his fourth straight double-digit scoring game and fourth double-double in his last seven games with 10 points and 19 rebounds. Trey Jemison chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds and Scotty Pippen Jr. had an all-around game of 14 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals.

Start/Stop/Continue

START running offensive actions that involve all five players on the court more often. The first play of the game last night ran beautifully (see below) and could be something to consider adding to the repertoire of the main core next season.

Coming Up

The Grizzlies will hit the road for their final road game and back-to-back of the season against the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight at 6:00 PM CST. Cleveland beat Memphis in their only matchup this season 108-101 on February 1st at the FedExForum.

Final Quote

“We just got to find our juice tomorrow. Hopefully, we’ll bounce back and play a little bit better.” – Taylor Jenkins