Game Thread GAME# 62: BLAZERS @ GRIZZLIES - APRIL 28, 2021 - WEDNESDAY, 6:00, NBCSNW

GRIZZLIES HEAD COACH TAYLOR JENKINS

On the team’s defensive approach tonight:

“I think we learned a lot of great things in the first two games. Jaren [Jackson Jr.] played in one of those two games and had a lot of different matchups, a couple different coverages we threw at them. It was a high-scoring affair. As I said all along, you’re not going to be able to stop this team, you’re just going to be able to slow them down and get stops when needed. You have to score at a pretty high rate to beat the Trail Blazers. I think our game plan is mostly going to be consistent. Our matchups, the depth we have, I think we feel confident in what we learned in the first two games and try to apply that tonight in game 3.”

On the starting lineup and increased attendance:

“It’s great to be back. No changes to the starting lineup today. The fans mean so much to us. It’s been an interesting year for so many, a trying year for so many. Having our fans back in the building has been awesome for us, creating that home-court advantage for us. As we’ve created a safe environment here for our fans to come and enjoy Grizzlies basketball, the more people we can have in here to enjoy it safely and bring that great edge. This time of year is special. You want to build that momentum in these meaningful basketball games. We know our guys definitely feed off our home crowd and hopefully they feed off the great basketball we’re playing too.”

On Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jonas Valanciunas:

“I think the big picture is we’re having a lot of dialogue about what our rotations are going to look like. We have tremendous depth right now. As we’re getting JJ [Jaren Jackson Jr.] integrated back, the number one thing is just what’s medically best for him. He’s played in a couple games now and he’s got a lot of games ahead of him. We want to do what’s smart to on-ramp him. We’ve got a very thoughtful process as we work with the medical team and as we work with JJ on what’s best for him and what’s best for the team at the end of the day. Different combinations, different versatility. We have bigs that can play different positions. In JJ’s case, last year he started at the four, played some backup five. He’s versatile in that sense. We want to be smart about how much we’re having him, responsibility wise, getting out there on the floor, getting his feet wet, getting his rhythm back. It’s been great to see him already play really well. We know that as his workload increases and his minutes increase, his role will diversify a little bit more - five, four. We have other players outside of just JV and JJ that can do a lot of different things at the big position, as well.”

On if the Grizzlies model themselves after the Trail Blazers:

“We’re just focused on us. They’re a tough opponent, a really good ball club. We’re just focused on playing great basketball and hopefully beat them.”

On having a full roster:

“You always want to have a fully healthy roster all season long. It’s taken us a couple of months to get here, but I’m proud of everyone’s work to get fully healthy. It’s critical this time of year. It allows you to have all kinds of depth you can deploy at different moments in the game or from game-to-game. Just having the full complement of the roster is huge. Any given night brings different challenges. Obviously, they played great, the Trail Blazers, last night up in Indiana. They found a groove, shot it really well from the three-point line. We know that’s a priority against this team. Hopefully we can build on the good things we did in Portland in games 1 and 2 and if we need to adjust, we’re prepared for those adjustments, as well.”

On if the Grizzlies’ approach has changed:

“Our approach is the same no matter what. We have a great luxury now with a lot of depth. Getting guys back into the rotation, especially in JJ’s case. I’ve said all along that we’re always going to do what is best for each individual, but at the end of the day, doing what’s best for the team. That’s our standard we talk about. Whoever is in the lineup, whoever is in the rotation, whoever is starting, coming off the bench, whoever is active that night, they have to stay ready.”

 

Dame looks sharp on offense and defense tonight. His shot and handles have been on display