All Heart Blog Chat: Part 1
It’s that time again. The ladies at All Heart in Hoop City have come together to answer a few questions about our Memphis Grizzlies. Let’s get it started with Part 1 of the chat:
1) What has been the most impressive victory so far this season?
Jennifer Conroy
For me, it’s a toss up between the triple over time win over the Spurs, and last night’s victory over the Hawks. The Spurs were like a Grizz albatross. They represented the undefeatable. The bully that beats you up and takes your lunch money. It was a huge turning point in the season, and a major confidence builder. It was cohesive basketball, and the definition of grit and grind. It also removed the Spur from our back. The Hawks game was the final integration of Jeff Green into Grizz rotation. All the well oiled parts doing their job, rotations, and substitutions defined. Championship level play from the First Five to the bench. Bench play is a huge part of grit and grind. There’s not a player that cannot be called up for any situation.
Sarah Smith
The most impressive win for me is still the November 13th buzzer beater over the Sacramento Kings. 0.3 seconds and C-Lee comes in for the win!! We came back from down 26 points, it was some classic grit & grind.
Jill Kong
Overcoming a 26 points deficit to beat Kings on Nov. 13 with a well-designed alley-oop play. It’s a game that possessed many impressive marks for Grizzlies just from first glance. Trailed by 26 points but eventually won; it marked biggest comeback in franchise history. Only led for 4 seconds the entire game and only 2 ties in the game. Still trailed by 18 points at 7:37 mark in 4th quarter then went on a 23-5 run to tie the game in 6 minutes and 5 seconds. Moreover, the game winning play was likely the most impressive one in the history of this franchise. Dave Joerger designed a world-class play using the bulky Big Spain to set up a screen that shielded 2 Kings defenders to give Courtney Lee a open look at the rim. Courtney well-executed this play as he recognized 2 defenders’ position and went around the screen Marc set to gain a open shot under basket. And the fact that a game that was expectedly an embarrassing home loss after 3 quarters suddenly turned around and ended astonishingly in a controversial manner made this game all the more impressive.
Taking a deeper look, this game is more of a testament for Grizzlies being an experienced team rather than an amazing tale. Being down by 18 points almost half way through 4th quarter, Grizzlies did not melt down completely but executed in their usual fashion on both ends of the floor with starters back in. Mike Conley facilitated well down the stretch, that resulted in clutch production from Marc/Zach duo, Conley’s own attacking and Carter’s 3 open 3-pointers that was consequential to ball movement.
Sharon Brown
The triple OT win against the San Antonio Spurs was the most impressive victory to me. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the comeback win against the Kings. But the Spurs have had the Grizz number for a while. Grizzlies hadn’t won in San Antonio since 2011. The Grizzlies were finally able to get the monkey off their backs. It helped the Grizzlies mentally. This was the game of the year and an interesting classic. It was thriller with twist and turns until the very end. It was good to see Zbo will 21 points and 21 rebounds. After he dominated the Spurs in the 2011 playoffs, the Spurs had his number going forth and he struggled mightily. He was so emotional after the victory. This win was a true grit, grind and all heart victory!
Carmen Patton
This may seem odd, but for me, it was the win against the 76ers. Yes, the win against the league’s worst team was the most impressive victory for me. We were behind the 8-ball that entire game. It was the 2nd night of a back to back where we had to fight to win against the Charlotte Hornets in a double overtime, and we looked horrible for 43 minutes. That last 10 minutes (5 minutes of Q4 and OT) though was nothing short of amazing. We somehow managed to score 52 points in 17 minutes, after scoring 68 points in 36 minutes. I can remember thinking at about that 5 minute mark when we were down about 18 points…we’re going to win this game. I didn’t know how, but I felt a win. The resiliency of the team shined through that night. I’m sure pride played a role, but they showed an extreme amount of passion and heart that night to get that win. It was a true grit and grind moment.
Aimee Stiegemeyer
Hands down, the triple overtime game against the Spurs in San Antonio. That game was huge for us, not just because it was a win against a team in our division, but because of the struggles this team has had against the Spurs in recent seasons past. It was a significant mental hurdle that we needed to overcome, sort of a roadblock standing in our way of taking this team to the next level. Plus the satisfaction that comes with beating the defending champions, which was an added bonus.
Tabitha Richard
How could it not be the triple overtime game against San Antonio? After the Spurs broke our home game winning streak, going into the AT&T Center and defeating them in true grit and grind fashion was the sweetest victory we have had so far. I still can’t quit replaying Marc Gasol hitting the banked-in go-ahead 3. The Grizzlies did not quit, despite giving up a 23 point lead. This game was a tried and true example of the mental strength that the Grizzlies have shown so far this season. If there was one game that reminded me again why I love Grizzlies basketball, this was it.
Caitlin O’Connor
I promise I have been to/watched more games than this, but I do believe that not only was this past week’s game against the Hawks the most entertaining one so far, it was also the most impressive win the Grizzlies have had this season. Conley and Gasol were on fire, leading the team in scoring with a collective 38 points. However, the entire team shined in this game. You could tell they wanted this one, and they weren’t going to let anything stop them from getting that W.
2) Are you satisfied with the performance of Coach Dave Joerger and staff?
Jennifer Conroy
I like Joerger. I think the question marks and targets have been removed. He consistently implements creative play, especially on the inbound possessions. .3 for Lee? Brilliant. Inbound to Koufas for the slam? Brilliant. I also noticed during the Hawks game, Joerger took a note out of the Sun’s playbook, and ran the three guard set with Calathes, Beno, and Conley all on the floor. He then rotated between having Beno and Conley both on the floor. Joerger has figured out his chess pieces, and is utilizing them effectively to check mate his opponents. You can also tell that he is studying film, and adjusting plays from other teams to fit the grit and grind. Joerger is also a good communicator between the front office hierarchy, and the players. He’s made efficient trades, that up the standard of play, and integrated them seamlessly. Where Hollins was confrontational, Joerger compromises and works it out.
Sarah Smith
I’m very satisfied with Coach Joerger and his staff. I think the Jeff Green trade has now solidified some rotations that give a nice spread of point coverage. I enjoy the double-point guard plays and I think he’s been pretty creative in playing each team a little differently.
Jill Kong
Completely satisfied for now. In fairness, Dave Joerger had done a great job last season, in which he received a lot of criticism for reasons varying from choice of regular rotation to in game substitution. But in the long run, Dave Joerger does strike to me as the right man for the job. As the defensive coach under Lionel Hollins, Dave inserted his defensive approach to the team and since then this team has kept a league top defense on a consistent basis; after he took over head coach position, Dave has experimented his motion offense principle and now we are beginning to see some good results. As of in game performance, Dave has grown into somewhat Popovich-like in game coaching style, which has reflected in quick timeouts, bold lineup experiment and well-designed plays.
Criticism about him has mostly consisted of topics like not playing young players enough. There’s reason to argue which player should get more or less playing time here and there. But these things are usually up for debate and depend on each coach’s coaching style and intentions at times. It’s unfair to write a coach off just because certain rotation decisions of his received general objection from fan base.
Sharon Brown
Dave Joerger is a smart guy and he’s a good coach for this team. He has worked with the players to buy in to what he wants. He’s one of the best to write up a good play after a timeout or with a short shot clock. Many of us had our doubts about him but he been remarkable with this team. He’s a champion and he knows how to win. He’s won championships in the CBA (Continental Basketball Association) and the NBA Developmental League. My only problem with his last year was the crazy rotations. But he has done a better job this year. I really believe he should be in the coach of the year contention. What he’s done with this team is remarkable. This is a record breaking season and I think Joerger and his staff can guide the players to be an NBA Champion this year.
Carmen Patton
I never thought I’d answer yes to this question. I hate being wrong, and I hate eating crow. I can remember thinking when Coach Joerger was named as head coach that we might see some lean times. My only consolation was that he’d been a part of the system as assistant coach so Coach Hollins (who I deemed to be our greatest coach) obviously had a considerable amount of trust in his abilities. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at Coach Joerger’s success as head coach thus far, and he seems to have a cohesive & knowledgeable staff. I’m currently feasting on crow.
Aimee Stiegemeyer
Right now, I have no complaints in that area. I think Dave Joerger has really come into his own this season, and a lot of the doubts fans had about his ability to effectively lead the team forward have been alleviated. If given the choice right now, of having Lionel Hollins back, or keeping Dave Joerger, I am sticking with Joerger without hesitation.
Tabitha Richard
The Grizzlies finished 2014 with the best record in the NBA regular season for the calendar year, so yes, I am satisfied. Last year included 3 Coach of the Month nods for CDJ, saw him lead the Grizzlies to a 15-2 start and extend our home court consecutive win record to 22. If I had any gripe it would be my desire to see the rookies get a little more time. CDJ leads this team well, even if he tends to leave undesirable line-ups in a tad longer than I like.
Caitlin O’Connor
I am absolutely, positively, 100% satisfied with the performance of Coach Dave Joerger and his Coaching Staff. I believe he has done a great job of realizing the strengths and weaknesses of each player and taught the team how to capitalize on each other’s strengths, while also knowing when to help a teammate out. Our passing game has been on point, and I truly believe we have the best defense in the league. This type of success comes from a team that knows how to play together, and a large portion of this success can be credited to Dave and his Coaching Staff.
3) How important is continuity with this team?
Jennifer Conroy
Continuity is key for any long lasting development. If you look at championship teams that are repeatedly great, the one common denominator is continuity. Without our core, the rotation doesn’t matter. Our guys are a brotherhood, and their ability to communicate comes from establishing those bonds. They know where the other will be. Joerger adds the fresh element so that does not become predictable or stale. Memphis likes continuity, and continuity cements bonds of loyalty. We show up for our team, because our team is our family. We are All Heart in Hoop City.
Sarah Smith
Jill Kong
Very. I would choose continuity over opportunities to make trades. As this Grizzlies team is constructed right now, I would say they are poised to be a contending team.
People have been down on them for their poor offensive consistency for a couple of years now, but their improvement on offense this season has brought them a currently top 10 offensive rating. Their ball movement has been less stagnant compared to previous years and their usage of iso plays has dropped to make room for team offense. In the meantime, they kept their suffocating half court defense, though their defensive rotation has been slower lately hopefully due to fatigue and tougher schedule. Furthermore, their clutch performance has been off the charts this season, they have been focused on getting the ball to their 3 best guys in the clutch, which has helped them to win a lot of close games this season. The trio of Marc, Zach and Mike has been impressive this season, as Marc grows into a league top player form with his more dominant offensive game, Mike has been more of a clutch shot taker and Zach has even improved his defensive game while his post move are still there. On top of that, this team now has a deep roster and a very capable coach and they have been winning games with their distinctive style of play.
Changes come with prices and chemistry and pros/cons of different players are always important factors in personnel moves. If good opportunities don’t appear themselves, there’s no reason to force personnel moves to change what’s already in place.
Sharon Brown
Continuity plays a major role in building team chemistry. Players have to adapt to each other and know what is expected. Changing key players every season not only affects continuity but it also may affect chemistry. Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, Zach Randolph and Tony Allen know each other and know what to expect. Their jobs are to have the other guys buy in to the teams aspirations and goals. Players 1-15 have to be on the same page. All the players have to have cohesiveness in order for the team to be successful.
Vince Carter just joined the team in the off season but he has taken on the role as a veteran leader because he’s Vince Carter, a player that will be inducted to the NBA Hall of Fame someday. It’s imperative that the Grizzlies have Vince since Tayshaun Prince is no longer with the team. It basically comes down to respect. A guy like Vince Carter, players will respect. Veteran leadership comes into play with continuity is not there.
Carmen Patton
Continuity is key. It is essential; it is imperative. In my opinion the continuity is largely related to the chemistry of this team. The chemistry of this team is largely related to the success of this team. Disturbing the continuity disturbs the chemistry which disturbs the success which disturbs me.
Aimee Stiegemeyer
Given the fact that our core four players have remained the same over the last few seasons, and we have continued to improve each year, I’d say it was pretty important. There is something to be said for an established team chemistry, and you can tell that in the case of our team, these guys are playing for each other just as much as they are playing for themselves or the fans.
Tabitha Richard
If you ask me the importance of continuity I am going to tell you that of course I think it’s important. However, I am going to say that I believe that continuity extends to keeping our core starters together but not necessarily to the supporting cast. It is apparent that the more guys play together the better they are; we can see this by simply looking back at the bench improvement the Grizzlies experienced. At the same time, the Grizzlies entered the season with their core intact but a bench that did not have a lot of playing time together. It was evident early in the season that our core has something special; they have excellent chemistry and know how to play together. Right now I am happy with our bench as well. I think that the Grizzlies have a unique opportunity to have amazing veteran leadership in Vince Carter. Right now the Grizzlies have a good thing going, but that doesn’t mean I would ever be opposed to trading some of those supporting bench players to fill the holes that are evident at times.
Caitlin O’Connor
Continuity is important of course, but perseverance is everything. The NBA is unpredictable, things change, and games are either won or lost. Fighting through the adversity and persevering is what will keep the Memphis Grizzlies alive. That is what this team is about. When change comes we will adapt, but for right now this is what the Memphis Grizzlies have to offer (a damn good basketball team).
- Ja Morant takes a stand - June 13, 2020
- The NBA is set to resume - June 5, 2020
- What’s wrong with the Grizzlies? - January 22, 2019
