3 Takeaways from the Grizzlies’ impressive 120-116 win against the Pacers
The Grizzlies pulled off another remarkable preseason win against the Pacers.
The Memphis Grizzlies had another strong performance en route to their third preseason victory. This is a good sign for this team because they are meshing well, and everyone is shining in their roles.
Zach Edey had another strong performance, posting 23 points and nine rebounds. Fellow rookies Jaylen Wells and Yuki Kawamura also scored in double figures, scoring 12 and 10 points, respectively. Lastly, Desmond Bane had a superb 22-minute stint, showcasing his usual level, scoring 23 points. The performances have led to some significant takeaways from the game.
Most of the NBA overthought Edey
Coming into the NBA Draft, Edey was the most prolific player from the college ranks, winning two consecutive National College Player of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024. Unfortunately, people thought he would be too slow because of his 7’4” frame, and he would struggle in the NBA.
That has not been the case because Edey has been impressive since he started playing in the preseason slate. Against Indiana, he scored 24 points on an efficient 10-of-15 shooting splits. Zach was also monstrous on the boards, getting nine of his own, as he kept out-muscling veteran center Myles Turner.
The rest of the NBA might have overthought Edey’s “problems” because he has been a steal for the Grizzlies. There will be some struggles as a rookie, but he looks to be a mainstay in the Memphis roster for the foreseeable future.
Bane is ready to be one of Memphis’ go-to scorers
In just 22 minutes, Bane proved why he is being hyped as one of the Grizzlies’ best players. He looked smooth with his offense, gliding around the court and scoring at will. Whether within the three-point line or beyond, Desmond was putting on a scoring display, proving he is one of the go-to guys alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Expect this aggressive Bane to be present in the 2024/25 regular season because Coach Taylor Jenkins wants him to stand out as a scorer and an improved defender on both ends of the floor.
Effort and intensity are essential to Memphis’ success
In the previous game against Chicago, the Grizzlies struggled to kick into a higher gear, which led to them going down by as much as 21 points. Thankfully, that was not the case against Indiana because they were intense for almost the whole game, which impressed Coach Jenkins.
“Very proud of our effort in that first quarter. A different story than the other night in Chicago, slipped a bit in that second quarter but set the tone, and holding the lead against them is hard with their style of play,” Jenkins said in his post-game interview. “Overall, the way our guys were moving off the ball, the way we moved the ball, 32 assists, very impressive.”
By playing that way, Memphis can win more games in the 2024/25 campaign. They are prepared for what is to come in the regular season because they are already good like this, and what more if they have Morant and Jackson?
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