The quarter-season mark has been broached by the NBA as November draws to a close. Twenty games might not look like a whole lot, but there’s plenty that could be taken away in the drama of any team through this point in the season.
The season has been a surprising one so far, even more so for its teams which reside in the Southwest branch. Up and down, the Southwest has not played out how anyone expected it to.
So, how have these teams?
Memphis Grizzlies — B+
Grit and Grind hasn’t made a comeback, but the Memphis Grizzlies began this season like it had been 2013.
While they’ve come back down from a sudden start, the 12-8 Grizzlies sit on top of the division and appear much improved from the 22-60 squad they ran outside onto the court last season. Mike Conley, who’s averaged 20.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 20 matches, has rebounded after he missed most of last year because of injury, and his return has galvanized his seasoned partner in crime, Marc Gasol.
Gasol has fostered his numbers after an underwhelming 2017; the Spaniard is one of five players this year to average at least 18 points, nine rebounds, one steal and one block per game. Meanwhile, the Shelvin Mack, Kyle Anderson and Garrett Temple have demonstrated additions.
Rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. has also played at a high degree; the former Michigan State Spartan has averaged 12.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, a steal and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 34.9 percent on 2.2 three-point attempts per game.
The Grizzlies weren’t anticipated by many to lead the branch at the quarter mark, or perhaps some markers, this year. However, with all the New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets underperforming into a level, this is where they have found themselves. They are able to consider their year a success thus far, although they might not hold onto that branch all season.

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