Just a year ago, the Memphis Grizzlies went out in respectable fashion, giving the Warriors (who would go on to win the championship) a real fight in the playoffs. At the time, even after the series loss, the Grizzlies were widely cherished and celebrated for their inspiring and fearless play.
The narrative quickly devolved, however, after the Grizzlies’ confidence turned into vanity. Now, after being sent home in the very first round, even Desmond Bande can admit that things got out of hand for his group this year.
“Last year, we were kind of the surprise team in the league and was able to work our way to the 2-seed and it just seemed like we were celebrating every moment,” Bane said. “Everybody was really into it because we didn’t know how good we were.”
"Last year, we were kind of the surprise team in the league and was able to work our way to the 2-seed and it just seemed like we were celebrating every moment… everybody was really into it because we didn't know how good we were."
– Desmond Banepic.twitter.com/QRIKYFtsmG
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 29, 2023
The novelty of being a new, up-and-coming team expired after their run last year, and the Grizzlies didn’t know how to respond. Instead of staying humble and keeping the right mentality, the Grizzlies let themselves relax and failed to make the proper adjustments.
While Bane and Dillon Brooks obviously played a role in the collapse, the leadership of Ja Morant is also being questioned in the wake of playoff failure.
Ja Morant Says Off-Court Drama Became A Distraction For Grizzlies
The turning point for the Grizzlies was Ja Morant’s IG Live scandal earlier this season. After he flashed a gun for all the world to see, it brought a whole firestorm of chaos and noise to the organization.
Morant did eventually return, but there was never a feeling that the Grizzlies recovered from the ordeal.
“I feel like mine is more off the court and on the court–just being disciplined on both sides,” Morant said. “Off the court, making better decisions. On the court, being locked in even more. Being a leader of this team, it pretty much starts with me. So however I attack my situation, I know my guys will follow. I’ve just got to be better in that area.”
Going forward, if Memphis wants to have a better showing, they will need Ja to grow up, avoid damaging situations, and ensure that his team only talks if they can back it up when it matters the most.
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