NBA Daily: First Quarter Grades: Southwest Division

As November draws to a close, the NBA has broached the quarter-season mark. Twenty games might not look like a whole lot, but there’s a lot which could be removed from the play of any team through this stage in this season.
The 2018-19 season has been a surprising one so much, even more so. Down and up, the Southwest has not performed how anyone expected it to.
So, how have these teams?
Memphis Grizzlies — B+
Grit and Grind has not made a comeback, but this year was began by the Memphis Grizzlies like it was 2013.
While they have come back down by a sudden start, the 12-8 Grizzlies sit at the peak of the division and look much improved from the 22-60 group they ran out on the court . 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 due to injury, and his return has his veteran partner in crime, Marc Gasol.
Gasol has fostered his numbers after an underwhelming 2017; the Spaniard is among 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 competent additions too.
Rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. has also played at a high level; the former Michigan State Spartan has averaged 12.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, one steal and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 34.9 percent on 2.2 three-point attempts per game.
The Grizzlies were not expected by many to lead the branch at the quarter mark, or perhaps some markers, this year. But, with the New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets underperforming into a significant level, this is where they have found themselves. They can consider a success so far, although they may not hold all season.

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