Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies month in review: November 2016

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Nov 28, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts to a foul call in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum. Charlotte defeated Memphis 104-85. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

For the Memphis Grizzlies, this month has been filled with excitement, promise and heartbreak. Without Mike Conley, they must resist hibernating and stay alive through a harsh winter.

At the beginning of the week, the Memphis Grizzlies were sitting pretty at 11-6 and fourth in the West. Mike Conley and Marc Gasol had been playing like All-Stars. Zach Randolph has torn up opposing second units. Young guns such as Troy Williams, Deyonta Davis and James Ennis have surprised all of us. The scary part: Chandler Parsons hasn’t even played much yet. There was plenty of promise, and there still is, however, one Woj bomb caused Grizz Nation to go full “Chicken Little” mode.

“The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” – every Memphis Grizzlies fan.

However, let’s not deny that the Memphis Grizzlies have strung together a solid month. They’ve impressively won road games against the Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets and L.A. Clippers, three almost sure-fire playoff teams. In addition, they handled the Timberwolves at home, twice. On the other hand, the Memphis Grizzlies had some duds against the Minnesota Timberwolves (no Conley, Gasol or Parsons) and the Charlotte Hornets.

Nov 16, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) celebrates after a three point basket in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Grizzlies won 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Best win/Worst loss

Best win: November 16 – Grind City vs. Lob City

Beating your rival team on their home-court is great. Beating your rival team on their home-court on a game-winning 3 from your 7-foot center is just straight nice.

Behind Gasol’s big-time 3 and Mike Conley’s seven treys, the Memphis Grizzlies beat a Los Angles Clippers team that possessed the league’s best record. At that time, the Grizzlies made a case to be included in the league’s elite.

Furthermore, Marc Gasol set social media on fire with a Conor McGregor strut as a 3-point celebration.

Ice. In. His. Veins.

Worst loss: Nov. 28 (Grizz vs. Hornets)

The Memphis Grizzlies lost 104-85 to the Charlotte Hornets, this past Monday. While getting thrashed on your home-court is embarrassing, the biggest loss of the night was Mike Conley’s injury.

After receiving a vicious blow to the back from Frank Kaminsky, Mike Conley fractured his back.

After Conley went down, the Hornets pulled further away, as the Memphis Grizzlies were in disbelief at losing their star point guard.

Nov 21, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) stands on the court during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Memphis defeated Charlotte 105-90. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Statistical leaders

Points per game

Mike Conley – 19.2.

Mike Conley had been playing the best basketball of his career. He’s averaging a career-high 19.2 points. In addition, he’s shot 46.7 percent from beyond the arc on 5.3 attempts. Hopefully, he could continue this pace once he fully recovers.

Rebounds per game

Zach Randolph – 7.9.

Zach Randolph leading rebounds? Does that surprise you? While this isn’t a high number for Zach Randolph, he’s doing this in only 22.3 minutes per game. At a per-36 minute clip, he’s pulling down a career-best 12.7 rebounds a game. In order for the Memphis Grizzlies to stay afloat these next six weeks, Fizdale must play Randolph more.

Assists per game

Mike Conley – 5.7.

His assist numbers may not be at Russell Westbrook-level; however, he’s scoring the basketball more. Mike Conley’s stat-line of 19.2/5.7 is solid, as it’s a big reason the Memphis Grizzlies are above .500.

Steals per game

Tony Allen – 1.5.

Any surprise here? #FirstTeamAllDefense.

Blocks per game

Marc Gasol – 1.5.

Marc Gasol averaging nearly 2 blocks a game is promising. The former Defensive Player of the Year must continue to defend the rim at a high clip over the next 6 weeks. If Gasol can anchor the defense of this depleted roster, it’d surely help their chances of attaining a decent playoff seed.

Nov 18, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons (25) motions to the Dallas Mavericks bench after making a three point basket during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Grizzlies defeat the Mavericks 80-64. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

5 Biggest storylines

1. Mike Conley All-Star bid comes to an end.

Throughout the month, Mike Conley has played at an All-Star level. After multiple 30-point games and elite clutch play, it’s hard to argue against Conley. The only challenge is his competition (Harden, CP3, Westbrook, Curry and Dame).

While his play has been stellar, Mike Conley’s All-Star campaign has been ruined because of injury.

2. Chandler Parsons

I could probably make a separate slide of Chandler Parsons’ storylines. His injury, return, reunion with bro Mark Cuban, date with super-model Haley Baldwin and re-injury are all interesting stories. Watching him drain 3s in front of Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, however, was a sight to behold. Furthermore, in December, it’ll be great to see Chandler Parsons in his Memphis Grizzlies uniform more often.

3. MORE THREES

The Memphis Grizzlies have added a new element to their game: the three-point shot. They have seen a 36.8 percent increase in 3-point attempts in comparison to last season. In addition, big men such as Marc Gasol (42.2 percent on 3.6 attempts) and JaMychal Green (35.3 percent on 1.8 attempts) have shot 35 percent from beyond the arc. In addition, they have snipers such as Troy Daniels and Chandler Parsons that haven’t played at full strength, yet. At this point, as crazy as it sounds, the Memphis Grizzlies may have to shoot the 3-ball even more to survive Conley’s absence.

4. Promise from young players

While first-round pick Wade Baldwin has struggled thus far, other young players have shown strong signs of promise. In limited action, Deyonta Davis has shown he could be a valuable rim-protector who could also defend the pick-and-roll. Troy Williams’ uber-athleticism has been welcomed on this older Grizzlies team. In addition, he played a huge role in their past victory against Miami. Andrew Harrison has been a typical rookie point guard, flashes of promises and doses of ugly performances. Jarell Martin could be a solid big men for years to come, pushing the ball and rebounding well for a second-year power forward. Young veteran JaMychal Green and James Ennis have been integral parts of the Grizzlies’ success. For the first time in a while, the Memphis Grizzlies have a batch of solid young talent.

5. Marc Gasol 3-point celebrations

Next: Grizz MVP

Nov 25, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley celebrates on the bench after a score against the Miami Heat in the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies MVP

Mike Conley

This shouldn’t be a question. Since Mike Conley has been ruled out for six weeks, the basketball world has been speculating how the Memphis Grizzlies would fare without their floor general. Does that not scream “valuable?”

Aside from his injury, let’s not forget how awesome Mike Conley has been this month.

How many point guards in the league drop 30+ points and 7 treys against the “Point God” Chris Paul? How many point guards pull it off twice? This season, Mike Conley dropped pairs of elite performances against one of the best in Chris Paul.

In addition, he’s lived up to the “Clutch Conley” moniker. According to NBA Miner, Mike Conley is third in total points (50) scored in five minutes or less left in the game.

In Miami, Mike Conley responded to some hecklers with a clutch sequence of events.

Prayers for a speedy recovery for the Memphis Grizzles’ captain. Let’s hope to see more clutch, All-Star-caliber performances from MAC11.

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