The Grizzlies are eliminated early, but Taylor Jenkins will go through the critics’ drops. The Memphis technician has again done an exceptional job despite the injuries of major players, and the freaks out of Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks. Tonight he was without Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke and Luke Kennard, and he did his best. But the step was too high, especially when its leader, Ja Morantsigns an awful 3 of 16 on shots.
“I think we have a very good culture, and it is being tested” warns the Memphis coach. “What I mean is that there will be opportunities to see how strong, united, resilient and disciplined you are. And then, do we really build something day after day to try to win a title. It doesn’t happen overnight. Nothing is done in a straight line. »
Half-words, Jenkins recalls that his players saw themselves as too beautiful. They lacked modesty, as if elimination against the Warriors in 2022 had not served as a lesson. Michael Jordan and the Bulls lost, and they learned how to win. The Warriors lost, and they learned how to win. The Bucks too. Individually, LeBron James is also well placed to know, he who lost two NBA finals before being crowned.
Are they ready to look in a mirror?
For Jenkins, this defeat must really serve as a lesson, whether it is a blessing in disguise.
“For me, it’s the right time for this to be the ultimate booster shot. Are we really going to understand that there is preparation during the off-season and preparation during the season? There is what we do in training and off the pitch, and it is clear that there are things that we have to control and that we have to tackle together. How are we going to support each other through all of this? It’s a course that we do together from the beginning to the end of the season, and it’s not supposed to be easy, none of that. So, are we going to take things lightly and take them for granted or are we going to look at ourselves in a mirror? »
Grizzlies without trash-talking aren’t the Grizzlies
Are these players ready to do their self-criticism? Ja Morant says yes. Dillon Brooks, who is a free agent, declined to respond to the press. Which doesn’t bode well. Unless that’s really the identity of the Grizzlies, and that’s what Desmond Bane suggests.
“I think if we’re not on the pitch trash-talking, taking on opponents and playing with that passion inside of us, we won’t be the same team. So I don’t think it should go away. Obviously you have to choose your moments and be smart, but you have to say what’s on your mind and we’ll do our best to back it up with our game.”
