5 Ways Memphis Grizzlies Can Build Off of Playoff Momentum

The Memphis Grizzlies took a step up in the NBA when they won their first playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs.  They became a truly competitive team showing an ability to beat the best teams in the playoffs.

Missing Rudy Gay, the Grizzlies rallied and not only made the playoffs, but also pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games in the Western Conference semifinals.

Now that the Grizzlies have elevated their status, they must keep moving forward.  The young team can find ways to grow.

Following are five ways the Grizzlies can build off of their playoff run.

Boost Scoring

The Grizzlies could use more scoring.  Their need improved scoring that showed in their playoff run.  Against the Spurs, the Grizzlies managed to get by averaging 97.5 points per game.  In the Western Conference semifinals, the Grizzlies suffered each of their losses by nine points or more.  Twice the Thunder held the Grizzlies to 90 or fewer points.

Championships aren't won by defense alone.  Teams must also score proficiently.  The last four NBA champions averaged more than 100 points per game.  Anyway, NBA rules favor offense.  Hand checking isn't tolerated like it used to be.

The Grizzlies can easily follow the trend.  Gay will bring his shooting touch when the season begins.  Marc Gasol could see more touches after averaging 15 points per game in the playoffs.  Mike Conley could be even better after setting a career high in scoring at 13.7 points per game.  Zach Randolph should score plenty of points as always.

Keep Up the Defensive Intensity

Much of the Grizzlies' identity is built around defensive toughness.  Four Grizzlies players last season averaged at least one steal per game.  In the first round of the playoffs, the Grizzlies held the Spurs to 94.3 points per game.  Against the Thunder, the Grizzlies weren't quite as successful, holding the Thunder below 100 points only three times.

A major key for the Grizzlies will be keeping the intensity on the defensive end.  The Grizzlies need Randolph, Gasol and Gay to continue crashing the boards.  Allen and other guards need to continue to be aggressive defending the perimeter.

A deep run in the playoffs by the Grizzlies will be based on tough defense.

Hype Zach Randolph's Chameleon Training

Zach Randolph could play like a bigger beast than ever due to his offseason training.  Using a different type of training—called chameleon training—Randolph should be in great condition for the upcoming season. 

Raving about it on 1070 AM Indianapolis, Randolph said, "It's like special ops and I'm just training and it's really tough.  The trainer said the training I had been doing was illusion training, like I had been doing fake training all these years."

Entering the season, the Grizzlies could tout Randolph as a new athlete.  Lionel Hollins could talk about how hard Randolph could push through all four quarters due to his training.  Conley could talk about how strong Randolph looked when the Grizzlies practiced together during the lockout.

Keep Talking about the NBA Finals

Championship contenders know they can win the title and tell people that they can.  The Grizzlies have begun to believe they can go to the NBA Finals after their playoff run last season.  In the aforementioned interview, Randolph said, "We want to win a championship and, to tell you the truth, we are really ready to compete."  Tony Allen said, "We know we can do it."

Believing is the first step to driving to the NBA Finals.  Grizzlies players need to keep talking it up.  Maintaining the mentality that they can go deep in the playoffs will help them realize their goal.

Maintain the Frontcourt Core

The strength of the Grizzlies' lineup lies in their frontcourt.  Randolph and Gasol make a terrific tandem.  Last season, Randolph and Gasol combined for 19.2 rebounds per game.  Both shoot better than 50 percent.  The pair plays tough defense.

Darrell Arthur is a fine backup.  Arthur averaged 9.1 points and 4.3 rebounds while playing 20.1 minutes per game.

Chris Wallace did well by re-signing Randolph.  To complete the picture, Wallace needs to re-sign Gasol.  Gasol looks to be about to turn the corner after a strong postseason indicated an upward trend.  Re-signing Gasol ensures a strong frontcourt.