Survivin' and Advancin': Memphis Grizzlies' quarterly review

Dec 10, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) during the first half after the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to the first installment of a new franchise here at Beale Street Bears: Survivin’ and Advancin’. In this quarterly series, we break down what was EXPECTED to happen to the Memphis Grizzlies, what ACTUALLY happened and what’s GONNA happen. Shall we?

Ha! Classic Grizzlies. Bet you didn’t expect this rollercoaster again, did you? Sure, Memphis fans are accustomed to the nightly stress. It’s Grind City! Though, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol’s return to health generated a contagious excitement, concern remained.

During the summer, the Grizzlies front office hired David Fizdale to take the reigns, following Dave Joerger’s move to Sacramento. Fizdale, a former assistant coach for the Miami Heat, had ZERO head coaching experience.

Fizdale’s resume was not the only worry in the Memphis faithful, as the Grizzlies signed Chandler Parsons to a four-year, $94 million dollar contract, one day before re-signing Mike Conley to a franchise-record $153 million dollar deal.

Recently injured Parsons, Conley and Gasol became the Grizzlies three highest paid players. They are also the three best.

Nov 28, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) is injured on a play as Charlotte Hornets forward Frank Kaminsky (44) falls in the third quarter at FedExForum. Charlotte defeated Memphis 104-85. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

What ‘they’ expected to happen

As mentioned, the forecast for the Grizzlies season was interesting. Think of it like a puppy: Sure, you’re really excited about it, but at the end of the day, you probably lose a little sleep. The Grindhouse faithful were optimistic in terms of returning (and new) talent, but skeptical regarding the series of season-ruining injuries last season.

Against the odds, the Grizzlies came out of the gates to an 11-7 start. Mike Conley was playing the best basketball of his career and Chandler Parsons’ services were yet to be needed.

Naturally, disaster struck.

In a two-week span, Memphis lost Mike Conley (fractured back), James Ennis (calf), Vince Carter (hip) to injuries. Follow that with the passing of Zach Randolph’s mother, and the Grizzlies were down to nine players, otherwise known as the “Nasty Nine.”

Once again, the Grizzlies were subject to pessimistic media. Fans and analysts alike seemed to agree on one thing: playoff hopes were slim. Conley’s absence was expected to be at least 6-weeks. The coaching staff seemed in no hurry to get Parsons back on the court. The Raptors, Warriors, Cavaliers and Rockets were all in the queue. The doubt was real.

Dec 10, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Golden State Warriors forward David West (3) reacts after the play against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

What actually happened

Remember that roller-coaster from earlier? Here’s a sharp turn: the Memphis Grizzlies exploded. In the first game of Conley’s absence, the Toronto Raptors took the win – but it wasn’t convincing.

Following the loss, something clicked. The Grizzlies went on to win the next SIX games, capping off the winning streak with a 21-point win over the league-leading Golden State Warriors. Unfortunately, the Cleveland Cavaliers ended the winning streak Tuesday night.

While the world expected Memphis to lay down and die, the Grizzlies embodied the Grit ‘n’ Grind culture preached in Memphis. So far this season, Grind City has been Clutch City. By NBA definition, a ‘clutch’ situation occurs when the point spread is +/- 3 points with one minute or less remaining. In this situation, the Memphis Grizzlies are 12-0.

Marc Gasol is consistently proving that he is much more than a center. Moving into comparison with the likes of Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Love, the seven-footer is shooting 43 percent from beyond the 3-point line.

JaMychal Green is playing so well that Grizzlies fans should genuinely be worried he might sign elsewhere in his free agency next summer. In the five games prior to their recent loss to Cleveland, Green had a double-double every night. Yes, five straight double-doubles!

Troy Daniels has been electric. After struggling for the first 15 games, the ‘Next Man Up’ situation struck a chord. In three games immediately following Conley’s injury, Daniels averaged 23 points per contest.

Long story short? The Grizz are survivin’ and advancin’.

Dec 1, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (left) and forward Chandler Parsons (right) before the game against the Orlando Magic at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

What’s gonna’ happen

We published an article recently regarding the Grizzlies’ clutch factor, and why fans should be concerned about that going forward. At the time, it seemed (and still somewhat does seem) highly unlikely that Memphis could continue surviving by such small margins.

However, that was before the Grizzlies beat the Warriors, a win that showcased both the offensive and defensive ceilings of the depleted squad.

Tuesday night, the Cavaliers handed Memphis a 17-point loss – proving that the Grizzlies are, in fact, still human. Vince Carter played in his first game back from his minor injury.

No time for panic! Chandler Parsons took to his Instagram live stream today, mentioning that he would probably be back on the court soon. More importantly, the Chris Vernon Show reported that Mike Conley has made a speedy recovery and should be back on the court soon as well.

While snagging six wins in a very feeble stretch of the season is important, Memphis can benefit most down the stretch from the experience gained in their young players. Andrew Harrison leads the rookie class in minutes per game (27.6), steals (1.38) and assists (3.8).

With Parsons, Conley and Ennis due back soon, the nightly stress should slowly subside. Houston, Oklahoma City and Boston lie ahead, meaning the Grizzlies need all hands on deck to close out 2016.