Why the Memphis Grizzlies Have Become the NBA’s Biggest Surprise, Deadspin Examines

A Strong Start Changes Expectations

Memphis was expected to sit near the bottom of the Western Conference alongside the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings. Instead, the Grizzlies won their first six games before losing Monday.

In that defeat, the team mounted a 9-0 run in the final 1:43 of regulation to send the game to overtime. The late surge showed the energy and resilience that have marked the team’s early season.

Coach Iisalo said before the season that Memphis wanted to win games and earn the support of its own fans. He said the team aimed to show it was worth cheering for because of how it played.

Jerome Leads A Balanced Attack

Jerome scored 40 points in the loss, making five of six shots from 3-point range. He is also leading Memphis with 5.8 assists per game, despite never averaging more than 12.5 points in a season and mostly playing off the bench.

Boozer, a forward making his league debut, is close behind with 5.7 assists per game. The article also identifies Boozer as a rookie and one of the team’s rising players.

Coward has made a rapid climb from a Division III freshman to a Duke commit and then an NBA starter in four years. His emergence, alongside Boozer’s, gives Memphis more than one young contributor to watch.

Rebounding And Defense Stand Out

The Grizzlies are averaging 49.7 rebounds per game, the best figure in the NBA. Boozer, Coward and center Zach Edey lead the team’s work on the boards. Memphis has allowed 110.1 points per game, a mark that had placed its defense near the top of the league early in the season. The team’s size and strength have helped define its identity.

Playoff Hopes Come Into View

The team may not remain atop the conference through the spring, but a return to the playoffs now appears possible. That would be a significant shift from the expectations surrounding Memphis at the start of the season.

If the Grizzlies reach the postseason, advancing to the second round would become a central goal. The franchise has not reached that stage since 2022.