Statistical Surge: Analyzing the Memphis Grizzlies' 6-0 Start
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The Grizzlies lead the league in scoring and net rating, but a soft early schedule leaves questions about the sustainability of their efficiency.
The Memphis Grizzlies stand as the NBA's only unbeaten team through six games, sparking questions—as first reported by Sports Illustrated—about whether the franchise has successfully pivoted to a new identity following the departure of former core players Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane.
According to reporting from Sports Illustrated, Memphis is currently the league's most efficient all-around unit. The team has set a franchise record for total points through six games with 727, averaging 121.2 points per contest—the highest mark in the NBA. This offensive output is driven largely by a league-leading 41.6% three-point shooting percentage on 38.5 attempts per game.
Sports Illustrated notes that this shooting excellence is distributed across the roster. Rotation players including Cedric Coward, Cam Spencer, GG Jackson II, Quinten Post, and Isaiah Stewart are all shooting above 40% from beyond the arc. Additionally, Ty Jerome, Cameron Boozer, and Jaylen Wells have contributed 6.3 three-pointers per game as a trio. Inside the arc, the Grizzlies are leveraging frontcourt depth; Post and Stewart are shooting 83.3% and 73.9% on two-pointers, respectively.
Defensively, Memphis ranks third in the league and first in the Western Conference, allowing 106.0 points per game. Sports Illustrated attributes this success to the rim protection and rebounding of Zach Edey and Boozer, as well as perimeter defense from Wells, Jerome, and Coward.
Statistically, the Grizzlies currently rank first in the NBA in points per game (121.2), net rating (14.7), three-point percentage (41.6%), three-pointers per game (16.0), and rebounds per game (49.8). They also rank third in both offensive rating (118.8) and defensive rating (104.1).
Individual performances have anchored the run. Ty Jerome earned Western Conference Player of the Week honors after scoring 104 points over three games, including a 45-point opening night. No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer is averaging 17.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, recently recording his first career triple-double against the Portland Trail Blazers and a career-high 27 points against the Sacramento Kings.
However, Sports Illustrated points out that Memphis' schedule has been relatively lenient. The 6-0 start includes two wins over the Sacramento Kings (0-6) and two over the Utah Jazz (1-5), alongside victories over the Golden State Warriors and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Memphis faces a more rigorous test this Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the Thunder are missing Cason Wallace, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, the Grizzlies will still face MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his supporting cast.