The Grizzlies-Spurs rivalry dates back to 2004, when the Spurs swept the Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs. Seven years later, the Grizzlies shocked the Spurs by winning their 2011 playoff series in six games, becoming only the fourth 8th seed to defeat a first seed. The teams faced each other in the 2013 conference finals, where the Spurs swept the Grizzlies and went on to win the NBA Finals. In 2016, the Grizzlies lost to the Spurs due to multiple injuries during the season. The following year, the Spurs won 6 games. However, the Grizzlies got revenge in the 2021 Play-In Tournament, winning 100-96.
The Grizzlies and Thunder have a long-standing rivalry, originating from their time as the Vancouver and Seattle teams. They met in the playoffs in 2011, 2013, and 2014, with the Thunder coming out on top in the conference semi-finals in 2011 and conference quarterfinals in 2014, both series going seven games. In 2013, the Grizzlies defeated the Thunder in the conference semi-finals in 5 games before losing to the Spurs in the conference finals.
The Grizzlies had a 38–34 record in the COVID-shortened 2020–21 NBA season, ranking 9th in the Western Conference and making the playoffs via the play-in tournament by winning back-to-back games against the Spurs and Warriors. In the first round, they faced the top-ranked Jazz and pulled off a Game 1 upset but eventually lost the series in five games. Rookie wing Desmond Bane drafted 30th overall by Memphis, was named to the 2020–21 NBA All-Rookie Second Team for his outstanding performance.
In 2022, the young and improving Grizzlies advanced to the second round of the playoffs, where they faced off against the experienced Golden State Warriors. However, in Game 3, Ja Morant was hurt after being fouled by Jordan Poole, leading to accusations of intentional fouls by Morant and Coach Taylor Jenkins. Despite the efforts, the Grizzlies lost the series 2-4 to the Warriors. The Grizzlies then had a highly anticipated match against the Warriors on Christmas but were defeated 123-109. Before the game, Dillon Brooks proclaimed Memphis a “dynasty,” to which Klay Thompson responded with, “You can’t talk dynasty when you haven’t won before.” During the 2023 Rivalry week, the NBA scheduled a game between the Grizzlies and the Warriors.
Achievements:
The Memphis Grizzlies have won numerous awards and a division title. The Division title was won in 2022.
- NBA Sixth Man of the Year: 2006
- NBA Rookie of the Year: 2002, 2020
- NBA Sportsmanship Award: 2014,2016,2019
- NBA All-Defensive First Team: 2012, 2013, 2015, 2022
About Team:
- Records: 56-26
- Coach: Taylor Jenkins
- Executive: Zach Kleiman
Crucial Arrivals:
Justin Bean (F), Jacob Gilyard (G)
Vital Departures:
Danny Green (C), Desmond Bane (SG), John Konchar (SG), Steven Adams (C)
Renewals and Extensions:
John Konchar (G), Justin Bean(F), Jacob Gilyard (G), Vince Williams(G), Tyrell Terry(G)
Probable Starting Line-up:
- Brooks – B. Clarke – X. Tillman – K. Chandler – V. Williams Jr.
The Memphis Grizzlies exceeded expectations during the 2022-23 NBA season and earned the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. All starters from last season are returning, but Melton and Anderson will be missing from the rotation, potentially replaced by rookie LaRavia and Konchar off the bench. Tyus Jones, the top backup point guard in the league, was retained and will provide valuable support when Morant is off the floor. The Grizzlies have depth as a strength, but a further improvement from players like Clarke, Williams, and Tillman is necessary to reach their championship goal. Daily updated Grizzlies starting line-ups are available.
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