What the Grizzlies were thinking after their third loss to the Rockets

Of course, Memphis Grizzlies, learning-as-you-go were disappointed after another defeat (120-118) by Houston Rockets. The dressing room was also very optimistic knowing that there was still time to think things through. However, they wasted no time. I MorantScottie Pippen Jr. and Brandon Clarke were still gathered around Jaren Jackson Jr.’s locker an hour after the loss discussing how Ime Udoka’s Rockets handled ball screens. Desmond Bane shouted to hold the bus as he was dragged back into an impromptu interrogation session.

Zach Edey has been getting rid of a black eye, pointing to his hockey past as a reason why no one should worry about a barely noticeable shine. Edei was more frustrated with fouling after committing just one foul in the first half. Before arriving on that stage, ClutchPoints asked Taylor Jenkins if there was anything specific the coaching staff identified as an issue in the second half.

“They played more post iso and a lot more pick-and-rolls,” Jenkins explained. “It changed where (Amen Thompson) was on the floor … We have to improve. We have one more chance, but that’s the recipe. They want to turn you around and reject you. When you have a guy who scores 42, it’s tough and we lost by one possession.”

Jenkins was also asked about Fr The Grizzlies put Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. in pick-and-roll actions together more often to build chemistry. Color drawing by Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams will have to be a priority in every future match though.

“We’ll see what’s in the cards.” We definitely watched film of (the Jan. 9 loss to the Rockets). “I think we’ve had success in those areas,” Jenkins said. “Getting (Ja Morant) and (Jaren Jackson Jr.) into matchups is definitely something in our eyes, but sometimes it’s dictated by what the defense shows you from a matchup standpoint.”

The gap between Morant and Jackson Jr. is in many ways the better lineup this season, according to Jenkins.

“You see what Jaren does from a self-creation standpoint on the perimeter and in the post. “Different guys can come on the screen for Ja to create those advantages,” Jenkins noted. “It’s definitely something we want to build that chemistry more, but sometimes it’s the other guys that are involved as well.”

Ja Morant did not want to hear excuses about the various schemes being implemented.

“Nothing we haven’t seen before,” shrugs Morant. “This was our third time playing with them.”

As for some dumbass speech by Dillon Brooks throwing the Grizzlies off the road, well, that just sounded like more excuses.

“Are you bothering us? If anybody mind shit,” Morant began. “You don’t have to be there.”

Jenkins knows what needs to be out there when the Grizzlies get another crack at landing the Rockets on Jan. 30.

“When you play the Rockets, obviously the physicality they play with, their offensive defense, I think their team defense is a problem. It’s one of the most elite defenses (in the NBA).

The Grizzlies (25-15) are now two games behind the Rockets (26-12) for second place in the Western Conference. Styles is leading the fight, but so far Houston has knocked Memphis out at every turn. However, the Grizzlies sounded ready for another round which immediately led to the belief that avoiding a season change will be on everyone’s mind come January 30th.