Deconstructing the 2014-2015 Season of the Memphis Grizzlies

Coaching Along the Front Line

The tactics and approach of Head Coach David Joerger of the Grizzlies was successful in almost every respect, until they came across the Golden State Warriors.

• Joerger was hardly ever seen sitting on the bench during a game.

• He was always on the floor, inspiring, dishing out instructions and looking for opportunities to benefit his team.

• He paved the way for the team by calling timeouts when required, benching tired players and making use of key players during vital possessions.

Getting the Right Ammunition

Coach Joerger was smart to realize the importance of getting in more players to carry the Grizzlies into the Playoffs.

• He was always looking to maximize his roster talent through the season, especially bringing in a stable and reliable bench.

• With the acquisition of Jeff Green last season, the head coach found a backup small forward, whom he could rely on.

• The signing of Mat Barnes from the Clippers means more depth in the bench in the coming season and more experience to run with.

Following the Leader

There is no question that Marc Gasol was the leader of the Grizzlies in the last season.

• His trip to Spain to lose weight and work on his stamina set the tone for the rest of the players to step up to their A game.

• His figures moved up to 17.4 points per game, from 14.6 in the prior season.

• His field goal percentage also improved from 47.3 % to almost 50%.

• Even his rebounding figures, which were already good, improved close to 8 rebounds per game.

Overcoming Injury Worries

Both Marc Gasol and starting point guard Mike Conley faced several injury concerns through the season, right up to the Playoffs.

• Conley had to overcome more challenges this season, since his injury came in the first round of the Playoffs, when the Grizzlies needed him the most.

• Despite multiple facial fractures, only 8 days out of surgery, Conley stepped up and put his body on the line, despite concerns from his family and doctors.

• He compensated the blowout of Game 1, by delivering 22 points in Game 2 and winning the Game for the Grizzlies.

Overcoming the Portland Trail Blazers

After being blown out in the opening Playoff game, it seemed that Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Aldridge and company had a clear sweep and were the favorites to make it to Round 2.

• Conley can be credited with reinstating the Grizzlies’ confidence and momentum in the second game.

• Grizzlies swept aside the Trail blazers 4 games to 1, riding high on the rebound numbers by Randolph and Gasol.

• Their ability to contain Lillard and Aldridge has much to do with their progress.

• Both Tony Allen and Jeff Green put in vital minutes on the floor, during which they were able to support the players on both ends of the floor.

A History of Upsets

The Memphis Grizzlies have a reputation for being among the most unlucky teams in the past few years of the Playoffs.

• In 2011, they lost the western conference semifinals to Oklahoma City.

• In 2012, they lost in the first round of the conference to the Clippers.

• In 2013, they lost the western conference finals to the Spurs.

• In 2014, they again lost in the first round, this time to the Thunder.

• In 2015, they were beaten in the western conference semifinals by future champions, GSW.

No Loss of Determination and Will

The hard fought yet tragic past few years of the boys from Memphis has in no way diminished their confidence to win a championship in the next season.

• The post-game interview of Marc Gasol, minutes after exiting the Playoffs, sums it all up.

• Rather than blaming the team as a whole, he took the blame on his own shoulders and promised the fans to be back better than ever.

• This was despite the fact that the season for the Grizzlies was clouded by injury concerns.

• Keeping his focus on solutions rather than failure, Gasol looks to make amends for the unfavorable events in the past few seasons.

Improving Communication

Basketball requires each player to have their head in the game at all times when they are on the court.

• The improvement in communication, both on and off the court, was noticeable in Tony Allan’s defensive efforts all through the Playoffs.

• Better communication led to an increase in scoring numbers off the bench, especially Jeff Green, who put in vital minutes in the regular season.

• Moreover, the team’s constant demand for more from every team mate off the court is the driving force behind their near triumphs.

Changes in Personnel

Since the resignation of former Memphis coach, Jason Levien, there has been much speculation about the future of their All-Stars.

• The future of Marc Gasol remains a little uncertain, since he is actively being approached by several other clubs.

• Both Randolph and Conley are falling into the senior category of players, in which case there is a clear and apparent lack of younger players.

• The new Memphis coaching and management staff will need to tap into the 2015 drafts and bring new talent into the Grizzlies family.

To read more about Jason Levien, visit:

http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2014/10/29/7127913/jason-levien-interested-buyer-atlanta-hawks