Unbeaten Grizzlies Surge With a New Identity

Memphis has emerged as the NBA’s early-season surprise, winning its first six games. The start has come against a relatively soft schedule: four victories were over Sacramento and Utah, while Golden State and Portland were the other opponents. The Grizzlies have yet to face a top Western Conference team, a test that lies ahead.

Rookie Cameron Boozer is averaging 17.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and nearly six assists. He recorded a triple-double against Portland, becoming the second-youngest player in NBA history to do so. Ty Jerome has also made a major impact, scoring 45, 28 and 31 points in recent games and earning Western Conference Player of the Week honors.

The team is shooting 41.6% from three-point range, the league’s best mark, and making 16 threes per game. Last season, Memphis shot about 35% from beyond the arc. Center Zach Edey has helped anchor a more physical team that ranks third in defensive efficiency and first in rebounds per game. Memphis is also using a broad rotation, with no player other than Boozer averaging more than 30 minutes.

The early results may be difficult to sustain, and the Grizzlies’ size and depth could face tougher scrutiny against stronger opponents. Still, the start gives the team and its fans reason to see the rebuild as ahead of schedule. Edey, who played only 11 games for Memphis last season, has helped restore a physical edge, while Boozer’s all-around game has quickly made him central to the team’s promising opening.