NBA Sunday Social: The Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz are climbing up the standings in the West, but the reason for their success is coming via two different sources
On December 26, 2019, Jordan Clarkson made his debut for the Utah Jazz. The Jazz acquired Clarkson in a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Prior to the deal, the Jazz sat at 18-12, good for sixth in the West’s pecking order.
Since the move, Utah has gone 11-1, but there are two caveats to their success. First, they have beaten only one team above .500 the bickering LA Clippers. Secondly, Mike Conley has been absent for this stretch, and they have not missed him. Overall while Conley was out, the Jazz posted a 15-4 record. Conley returned Saturday evening versus the Kings and he came off the bench. It will be interesting to monitor the Jazz moving forward as Conley works back into the lineup.
Moreover, another team making noise in the Western Conference is the young and fun Memphis Grizzlies. How young are the Grizz? Their average age is 24.1 years of age, tied for the youngest in the association. Memphis is led by leading Rookie of the Year candidate Ja Morant, who is just 20 years old. During their seven-game winning-streak, Morant has lit social media ablaze with endless highlights.
In a league of the own
Utah Jazz are #1 catch and shoot 3 point shooting team at 42.2%. Next closest is Miami at 39.7%. Leaue Average is 36.7% pic.twitter.com/FVE2OD7AZC
— David Locke (@DLocke09) January 12, 2020
Stifle Tower
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1217329314884214785?s=20
Decisions, decisions
https://twitter.com/KenJennings/status/1217637919294291970?s=20
New Sixth Man in Town
https://twitter.com/KendrickPerkins/status/1217258572884709376?s=20
This was short-lived
The Utah Jazz are 10-0 in the Jordan Clarkson era.
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 15, 2020
They have the league's most efficient offense and TS% over that span.
Tonight they moved to 2nd in the West. pic.twitter.com/RCRSjmFEoY
Betting is intense
https://twitter.com/br_betting/status/1218019476752322560?s=20
Money Moves from Morant
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1218369261053202432?s=20
Accurate Description
Flying High
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1218360881131618304?s=20
Much bigger than basketball
https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/1218326730286542849?s=20
Second-most noteworthy butt slap of the week
https://twitter.com/espn/status/1218368162195963906?s=20
This is like an optical illusion
unreal. pic.twitter.com/1OIDOjUxFt
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 18, 2020
Enjoy a full Morant montage
https://twitter.com/espn/status/1218586455364251654?s=20
Kyrie is Brutally Honest
Russ talked, but once again Lillard got the last laugh
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) January 16, 2020
Problems in H-Town?
I thought this was a pretty telling quote from Mike D'Antoni: "To me the focus is not on getting it right. The focus is more looking at the back of the jersey instead of the front of it."
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) January 16, 2020
Update from the Beard Himself
Rockets guard James Harden said post-game was a chance for Rockets to get things off their chests. Asked what was discussed, he said "Everything."
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) January 16, 2020
Even NBA players wait for Woj Bombs
https://twitter.com/WenyenGabriel/status/1218652013929496577?s=20
Getting back on the right track
Markelle Fultz had a HUGE night
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 16, 2020
- 21 PTS
- 11 REB
- 10 AST
- 2nd career triple-double
- W in Staples
- Led the Magic as the first team below .500 to beat the Lakers this season pic.twitter.com/FFwKstkapA
JJ Redick sounds off on young players
FACTUAL!!! https://t.co/z7b6fm6ghF
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) January 16, 2020
Coming full circle
The Hawks traded Jeff Teague to the Pacers in 2016 and received Taurean Prince, who was traded in 2019 for a package that included Allen Crabbe, who was traded in 2020 for Jeff Teague. pic.twitter.com/ykBQgLAJgi
— Jon Hamm (@JonMHamm) January 16, 2020
A highlight for the Warriors
Eric Paschall is the only rookie since 83-84 (when bbref's tracker includes all stats) to record a quadruple-nickel. Had 10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals last night against the Grizzlies.
— Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) January 13, 2020
Just the 11th player of any level of experience to do so.
A lowlight for the Warriors
Warriors that was the best shot yall could get with 10 seconds left? Really
— Jerrel Jackson (@Tripple_J3x) January 17, 2020
Passing the torch
Russell Westbrook liking Shai’s Instagram post celebrating his 20-20-10 feels like a passing of the triple double baton from the King of the Prairie to the Fresh Prince. pic.twitter.com/siBpfBnKoi
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 14, 2020
Little More intel on SGA’s triple-double
https://twitter.com/BR_NBA/status/1217146738303070210?s=20
We’ve got some free agency news
New free agency dates announced. Qualifying offers can be extended starting Monday. https://t.co/rEwrrKvOIF
— Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) January 18, 2020
Making Art, with a Basketball
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7esk1UHhzL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
One game, two Blazers reach milestones
We're really lucky to have this guy. pic.twitter.com/Jvanz3qQZr
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 18, 2020
Melo keeps moving up
18th @NBA player all-time to reach 26,000 career points.
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 18, 2020
Congrats, Melo! pic.twitter.com/jG5DdGIZUq
Oh My Okogie
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7fDv6eH6PR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
This looks choreographed, but it doesn’t even matter
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7e-vtaAI4C/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Can’t make these things up
Damian Lillard booed when introduced at OKC. So Nurkic mimics the bye-bye wave Lillard gave at end of last year’s playoffs.
— Jason Quick (@jwquick) January 19, 2020
SWEET LOU
I decided to fact check this for fun.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 18, 2020
Lou Williams has played 17 games where there have been clutch minutes. He’s scored 46 points on 48.4% FG, 53.8% 3FG, and 90% FT.
LeBron has played in 18 such games, and has scored 40 points on 29.3% FG, 14.3% 3FG, and 59.1% FT.
Lmao. https://t.co/aqPhNr71SJ
Hitting the high note
Sticking with the Utah Jazz theme, this week’s high note involves Jazz sharpshooter Joe Ingles. As the above post highlights, Ingles will be pledging $500 per three-point make for the entirety of the 2019-20 campaign. If you would like to make your own pledge to help aid in relief for the Australian Bushfires click here.
That’s it for this week, check back on Sunday to see how are adjusting to Conley’s return, and what crazy highlight Morant puts together next.