The Memphis Grizzlies faced a daunting challenge as they entered the fourth quarter of their matchup with the Brooklyn Nets trailing by a single point. Yet, within just eight minutes, that modest deficit had ballooned to 13 points. A significant factor in this swift turn of events was the absence of Ja Morant from the court during much of this critical period, leaving Memphis without one of its most dynamic playmakers.
Adding to the complexity of the Grizzlies' bench dynamics was the absence of Jaren Jackson Jr., who sat for over four minutes during the same stretch. With Desmond Bane exiting early due to an oblique injury and Marcus Smart leaving with a right ankle injury, the Grizzlies' rotation was left in disarray. Head coach Taylor Jenkins had to continuously juggle the lineup, already stressed by a series of early-season injuries and absences.
A Tactical Juggling Act
As Memphis resorted to an all-bench lineup from the 9:20 mark to the 5:58 mark, the strategic shift further exacerbated their situation. Jenkins addressed his team’s rotational challenges, noting, "There's a lot of things on the table. We have guys getting hurt in the middle of the game, so we're having to adjust. We're having guys out in the starting lineup, in and out, all that, so that kind of changes things." The coach acknowledged the hurdles posed by regular lineup changes, particularly with Morant and Jackson Jr. each missing games early in the season.
Despite his limited playing time, Morant remained philosophical about his role, stating, "Obviously, it's a process. You got to be smart. You don't want to go throw me in there for 36 minutes. God willing, nothing happens, but you just got to be smart." His cautious approach reveals a focus on long-term health and availability, as opposed to simply chasing game-time stats.
Minutes Management Strategy
Interestingly, Memphis has refrained from pushing its players to the customary 30-minute mark, opting instead for a broader rotation strategy. Throughout their first five games, Memphis has frequently used an 11- or 12-man rotation, a stark contrast to teams like the Denver Nuggets, whose starters average over 35 minutes per game. Indeed, the Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors remain the only teams not averaging at least one player with 30 minutes per game.
Santi Aldama leads the Grizzlies in playing time, averaging 27.7 minutes per game, yet no Memphis player has logged 30 minutes in a game this season. This could be seen either as a testament to depth or as a source of potential rhythm issues, as players struggle to find consistency on the court.
Jenkins elaborated on Memphis’s conditioning efforts, particularly with players coming off injuries, explaining, "We're working with him and the medical team about how we want to deploy him over this stretch right now. Obviously, he was out for a portion of preseason, so getting his game legs and conditioning right." These adjustments in minutes reflect a cautious approach, prioritizing player health over immediate wins.
Early Season Trials
Compounding their challenges, the Grizzlies had embarked on a grueling start to the season, playing six games in nine days. Currently, they hold a 2-3 record after this demanding schedule, pushing them to refine their game quickly amidst internal and external pressures. Despite these hurdles, Memphis ranks second in the league for offensive pace, maintaining the swiftest tempo following made baskets.
Nonetheless, for Memphis to capitalize on their breakneck style, they will need their leading scorers and playmakers to stay on the floor longer. Balance between maintaining pace and preserving player health stands as a crucial task for Jenkins and his coaching staff.
Reflecting on the evolving scenarios and lineup flux, Jenkins remarked on the evolving team chemistry: "Every game is presenting a new opportunity to try to find chemistry." As the Grizzlies navigate these early hurdles, it will be intriguing to see how they adapt and grow, especially as key players like Morant and Jackson Jr. find their rhythm and return to form. The coming weeks will undoubtedly test the mettle of this Memphis squad, but with strategic focus and health on their side, they may yet find a winning formula.