The Memphis Grizzlies face a critical juncture as their season slips further away with a concerning three-game losing streak. Positioned three games outside the Play-In Tournament zone, the Grizzlies risk falling behind the Charlotte Hornets for the 22nd-best league record if they lose again. Despite the Hornets’ mediocre overall standing, they carry momentum from a recent three-game winning streak and notable victories over strong teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers.
The Hornets’ rising confidence and style of play make them a more dangerous opponent than their record indicates. Their road game efficiency, especially in making three-pointers and free throws, demands that the Grizzlies remain fully alert. Containing key Hornets players, particularly LaMelo Ball, will be crucial for Memphis to reverse their downward trend.
Key Player Threats to Contain
LaMelo Ball is not just a prolific playmaker; his assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.38 ranks among the best in the NBA, highlighting his ability to create scoring opportunities. However, his shooting accuracy suffers, which the Grizzlies can exploit by applying tight on-ball defense. If Memphis’ defenders maintain disciplined positioning and trust in their help defense, they can limit Ball’s scoring influence and disrupt his playmaking rhythm. Additionally, playing clean offense without turnovers will reduce Ball’s chances to capitalize on transition opportunities.
Brandon Miller poses another significant threat, combining explosive athleticism with a balanced scoring approach. Over one-third of Miller’s shots come from close range, but he is also a high-volume three-point shooter, connecting on 37.1 percent from deep. For Memphis, staying alert to Miller’s movement and screens will be vital to prevent him from pulling up for open jumpers.
Miles Bridges and rookie Kon Knueppel add layers of complexity. Bridges’ athleticism makes him a dangerous inside scorer, while Knueppel contributes significantly from both inside and beyond the arc. The Grizzlies seem willing to concede some points inside but cannot afford to give up open three-pointers, where Knueppel excels.
Adjusting Offensive Tactics
The Hornets’ defense has been formidable recently, ranking fifth over their last ten games. This intensity means Memphis cannot rely on predictable offensive sets, as standing still or hesitating will hand the Hornets easy defensive stops. Increasing off-ball screens and deploying high screens could generate mismatches and scramble the Hornets’ defensive structure. Creating more five-on-four situations on offense may open lanes for key contributors like Cam Spencer and Vince Williams Jr.
With star Ja Morant sidelined, the Grizzlies need these role players to elevate their facilitation and scoring efforts. Ensuring strong defense to quickly feed them outlet passes will help sustain offensive flow and momentum.
Improving Three-Point Shooting
One glaring challenge for the Grizzlies is their poor three-point shooting accuracy. Surprisingly, Jock Landale currently ranks as the team’s second-best shooter from deep, a first in his career as he attempts multiple three-pointers. Memphis’s struggles from three-point range stand as one of the top offensive issues this season, despite ample clean looks being created.
Contributors such as Santi Aldama, Cedric Coward, and Jaylen Wells must step up and convert their open three-point attempts consistently. Improving perimeter shooting will stretch the Hornets’ defense, relieve pressure on the paint, and provide Memphis with a better chance to control the pace and outcome of the game.
The Grizzlies face a pivotal moment where containing LaMelo Ball and the Hornets’ other key players is essential. Strategic defensive focus combined with improved offensive execution, particularly behind the arc, will be critical for Memphis to overcome this challenging stretch. Their ability to adapt and execute in these areas may determine whether they can halt their slide and remain competitive as the season advances.