The Grizzlies' Remarkable Journey to the Top of the Scoring Charts

Last season, the Memphis Grizzlies faced challenges near the bottom of the Western Conference, finishing 13th with a league-low average of 105.8 points per game. However, this season tells a different story. Memphis has undergone a remarkable transformation, currently leading the NBA in scoring with an impressive average of 122.1 points per game. With a stellar 17-8 record, they are now tied for second place in the Western Conference after securing victories in nine of their last 10 games.

The Grizzlies’ transformation isn’t just impressive — it’s historic. No team in NBA history has ever gone from the league’s lowest-scoring offense to its highest from one season to the next. Memphis’ 16.3-point increase per game is on pace to be the greatest year-to-year scoring increase since the NBA introduced the shot clock in 1954-55.

Historic pace

This season, the Grizzlies have already tied their franchise record for 140+ point games in a season (two) and could shatter several offensive records if they maintain their league-leading scoring pace. Memphis has never finished a season atop the league in scoring, but this could be the year that changes.

Memphis’ explosive offense has been fueled by a combination of rebounding dominance and speed. Ranking third in the NBA in rebounds per game (47.6) and second in pace (104.64), the Grizzlies have leaned heavily on their transition game. They lead the league with 36.8 transition points per game — more than five points ahead of the next-best team.

The Ja effect

The Grizzlies’ turnaround has coincided with the return of their superstar guard, Ja Morant. After missing 73 games last season, Morant has reignited Memphis with his ability to push the tempo. He’s averaging 7.4 transition points per game, second only to Giannis Antetokounmpo, while dishing out a career-high 8.5 assists per game.

Morant’s impact is evident across the board. The Grizzlies rank third in wide-open field goal attempts (26.0 per game) and second in assists (30.3 per game), showcasing their improved ball movement and shot quality.

This unselfishness has resulted in balanced scoring. Seven different Grizzlies have reached double figures in 12 games this season — a feat no other team has matched more than five times.

Controlling the paint

While Memphis thrives in transition, their success extends into the half-court. Led by the dynamic duo of Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies lead the NBA with 58.9 points in the paint per game.

Morant’s aerial acrobatics and Jackson’s strength in the post have created a two-headed monster that defenses have struggled to stop. Both players are averaging over 11 points in the paint, making them one of just three duos in the league to do so.

A streak on the line

The Grizzlies’ high-powered offense has helped them score 115+ points in 10 consecutive games, tying for the third-longest streak in franchise history. But there’s one team that has managed to slow them down: the Brooklyn Nets.

In two meetings this season, Brooklyn limited Memphis to just 105.0 points per game and won both contests. The Grizzlies will look to avenge those losses tonight as they face the Nets for the final time this season (

8 ET

) as part of a seven-game slate on League Pass.

Other Games on Tonight’s Slate:

Wizards at Cavaliers (7 ET)

Pacers at 76ers (7 ET)

Lakers at Wolves (8 ET)

Hornets at Bulls (8 ET)

Suns at Jazz (9:30 ET)

Spurs at Blazers (10 ET)

This article was pulled from our Starting 5 Newsletter, a daily look at all things NBA. To get the newsletter in your inbox every morning, subscribe here.