SH Blog: Grizzlies, Clippers shaping identities early

2. Bench Play: The Grizzlies’ bench play has been outstanding all season long, and last night was no different. Quincy Pondexter, Wayne Ellington and Jerryd Bayless combined for 31 points compared to the Thunder’s total of 13. Marreese Speights didn’t even score a bucket last night, but the wing trio of Pondexter, Ellington and Bayless answered the bell. Between these four players, the Grizzlies have solidified a rotation that gives a boost scoring off the bench, and while neither Bayless nor Ellington are seen defensive stalwarts, Pondexter is versatile enough to guard three positions and Marreese Speights is an excellent rebounder. ”We’re doing it by committee, the whole entire team. Not just the bench, not just the starters. I think collectively we’re doing a really good job right now,” Pondexter told the Associated Press. ”We just have to keep this going. ”I think everyone on this team is really all in, all focused and that’s just helping us out right now.”

3. Rudy Gay: His shooting percentage of 42.1% through seven games is indicative of a player who is still trying to find his rhythm on the offensive end, but last night Gay was a monster. He hit big shot after big shot after big shot in the second half; back-breakers that helped to keep momentum out of OKC’s hands. When Gay is on, it makes the Grizzlies that much more difficult to beat on a nightly basis. As Gay warms up, Memphis’ will become even more lethal. After watching Memphis for seven games, TNT’s Kenny Smith is ready to proclaim them a contender in the Western Conference in large part due to Gay’s health and their emerging chemistry. “This was a team that prior to last year we thought they’d be in the Western Conference Finals and then all of a sudden Rudy Gay came back and they couldn’t figure out how to play down the stretch [of games],” Smith said last night on Inside the NBA. “I think this year they’ve learned how to play together and I think they overtake the Thunder as the new up-and-coming team in the west.”

Perhaps Zach Randolph did the best job of summarizing the Grizzlies effort last night and this season. ”This is one of the best teams in the West,” Randolph said. ”We’re trying to get where they’re at.”

Three Keys to the game / season for the Clippers

1.  Solid frontcourt: Blake Griffin (20 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists) scored 11 points before anyone could blink an eye. The biggest difference in Griffin’s offensive game this season is his ability to step out and shoot comfortably from almost anywhere within the arc. Despite not having his best game statistically, DeAndre Jordan’s energy at the defensive end and emergence as a post presence has been invaluable for this team. Once a pet project for the Clippers, Jordan has developed go-to post moves and is a reliable passer out of the post, which is invaluable for a team that thrives off the bounce. Jordan compliments Griffin very well offensively and their chemistry and development up front could ultimately prove to be the key to the Clippers; season. Griffin and Jordan have improved offensively, but their greatest strides are being realized at the defensive end and the Clippers are benefiting as a team. “I think their improvement defensively is tied to the improvement of their big men,” said Jeff Van Gundy toward the end of the game. “What’s going to test them is the long season.”