Don’t question them: The Memphis Grizzlies are the real deal

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 11: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the game against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum on January 11, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

The NBA has been full of surprises this season. It’s been full of breakout players, shocking teams, and a bunch of storylines to keep everyone entertained.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are back in the playoff race, DeMar DeRozan is an MVP candidate, and Zion Williamson and Ben Simmons have both yet to step on the court this year.

But none of those things are the best or most surprising part of this season. That title belongs to the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Memphis Grizzlies have been absolutely incredible this season

Anyone who keeps up with the NBA knows how insanely well the Memphis Grizzlies are playing this season. They are currently 30-14 and sit at third place in the Western Conference.

Ja Morant is looking like an All-NBA player, which most describe as the main reason for the Grizzlies’ success this season. The guy is averaging 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists – those beliefs are fully warranted.

But there’s more to it than that. Memphis has been getting amazing contributions from everyone on the floor at all times. There really isn’t a true weak spot on the roster.

They have a secondary star – Desmond Bane. They have extra scoring – Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr. They have an interior presence – Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams. They have perimeter defenders – Brooks and Bane.

They have secondary ball-handlers – Tyes Jones and De’Anthony Melton. They have shooters – Jones, Bane, and John Konchar. They have veterans – Adams and Kyle Anderson. They have young, hungry players looking to improve – Ziaire Williams and Jarrett Culver.

That’s without even mentioning Brandon Clarke, Killian Tillie, Xavier Tillman Sr., and Santi Aldama. Memphis is absolutely loaded with talent.

Despite all this, there are still people questioning whether or not this team is the real deal. Their sudden emergence has a lot of fans skeptical of whether or not they can keep it up.

Are the Memphis Grizzlies the real deal?

However, all the questions anyone would ever have about that side of things have been answered; and they’ve been answered in the best ways possible – actions.

Can this team win without Morant on the floor? They went 9-2 without Morant during a stretch of time in the month of December.

Wait, does that mean this team doesn’t need Morant? (A stupid question to begin with.) No, of course not. They are 21-12 with him on the court, too, and he’s been absolutely incredible.

Does this team have the ability to string together wins? Their 11-game win streak just ended last night, and they’ve only lost five games since November 28.

Well, can they bounce back after tough losses or stretches? Their 11-game sin streak came immediately after a three-game losing streak, including dropping games to two, sub-500 teams.

They certainly can’t beat the top competition, though, right? They are 2-1 against the Warriors, 1-0 against the Nets, 1-0 against the Jazz.

This team is the real deal. Be ready for the Memphis Grizzlies. They’re are here to stay.