MEW DELHI: As the Memphis Grizzlies embark on a two-game series in Portland, they find themselves in an undesirable position as the only "winless" team in the NBA.
For the Grizzlies, it's a tough start to the season with a 0-5 record, reminiscent of their dismal opening in the 2002-03 season when they endured 13 consecutive losses. Their journey begins with a Friday night showdown against the Trail Blazers, followed by a Sunday night clash.
The first game is a part of the NBA's "in-season tournament," which kicks off on Friday. The Grizzlies and the Trail Blazers, along with the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz, form West Group A. Each team plays a game against all other teams in the group, and two teams will advance to the knockout round. The championship game is scheduled for December 9 in Las Vegas.
To have any hope of progressing to the knockout round, Memphis needs a rapid turnaround.
Unfortunately, the Grizzlies are facing a significant challenge due to the absence of their star point guard, Ja Morant, who is serving a 25-game suspension for "detrimental conduct." Their recent road trip also took a severe hit when they were soundly beaten 133-109 by the Utah Jazz in the opening game.
From the very beginning, the contest was completely one-sided, with the Jazz holding a commanding 42-19 lead after the first quarter and extending it to 79-46 by halftime.
Coach Taylor Jenkins of the Grizzlies acknowledged the lopsided affair, saying, "It was a barrage for sure in the first half. I'm not big on moral victories. That's something that doesn't exist. Just finding ways to get better, which I thought we did in the second half."
Despite the loss, Desmond Bane managed to score 21 points, and Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 19 points and eight rebounds for the Grizzlies. However, their shooting performance was subpar, with a 36.5 percent field goal percentage and a dismal 14-of-54 (25.9 percent) from beyond the arc.
Bane has been the standout performer, averaging a team-best 24.6 points per game.
The Portland Trail Blazers, who are in a rebuilding phase, started the season with three consecutive losses but bounced back with back-to-back road wins against the Toronto Raptors (99-91) and the Detroit Pistons (110-101).
Second-year guard Shaedon Sharpe was the hero in the victory over the Pistons, scoring a season-high 29 points, with 26 of them coming in the second half. Portland coach Chauncey Billups is determined to shape Sharpe into a two-way player, emphasizing the importance of defense.
"Great players play both sides of the ball," Billups said, highlighting Sharpe's potential to be a star. He is holding Sharpe to a high standard, believing that the effort will pay off in the long run.
Scoot Henderson, another key player in the Trail Blazers' backcourt, sprained his right ankle during the game against the Pistons and has been ruled out for the matchup with Memphis. Henderson, the third overall pick in this year's draft, has had a mixed start to the season, averaging 8.8 points and 4.6 assists while struggling with his shooting accuracy.
Billups was pleased with center Deandre Ayton's performance, which included a career-high five steals, 16 points, and 11 rebounds against the Pistons.
Last season, the Grizzlies won two out of three games against the Trail Blazers, including a 111-106 victory in Portland on November 2, 2022.
(With Reuters inputs)
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