The feelings around the Memphis Grizzlies are gradually getting better with each performance.
After a troublesome start to the season — one that included a stretch of nine losses in 10 games — the Grizzlies seem to have found a winning formula.
They were tested again on the road, this time against the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 30. The Grizzlies passed, winning 115-107.
They now have won five of their past six games. All of the wins have come against teams with records under .500, but as Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo likes to say, the process is more important than the results.
That process in recent games has showcased a team playing with more energy on both ends of the court and benefiting from the additions of key returning players.
Here is how the Grizzlies have put together their first three-game winning streak of the season.
Zach Edey continues progression
The importance of Zach Edey, while never doubted, is becoming more noticeable with each win. The big man has brought a force that was missing before he made his season debut Nov. 15.
Edey finished with 32 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks against the Kings (5-16). The scoring and block totals were both career highs. He’s only the third Grizzlies player in franchise history to record at least 30 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks in a game, joining Zach Randolph and Pau Gasol. That’s pretty good company.
Memphis (9-12) looked in control in Edey’s minutes on the floor. When he was off, the Kings erased nine- and 13-point Grizzlies leads. Edey finished plus-25 in 29 minutes.
Memphis is 5-3 since Edey returned from offseason ankle surgery.
Role players shooting better
The Grizzlies couldn’t get consistent performances from several of their role players earlier in the season, leading to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope moving to the bench and Jaylen Wells facing questions about a shooting slump. Both have played better basketball recently, and the Kings matchup was the latest example.
Caldwell-Pope knocked down two 3-pointers and scored 13 points off the bench. Wells had 15 points and three made 3-pointers.
The improved production goes beyond those two. Santi Aldama has been a model of consistency, even though his 14-game streak of scoring in double figures ended with seven points against the Kings.
Cam Spencer continues to come up big, finishing with 16 points and four made 3-pointers.
Jaren Jackson Jr. shuts the door
Jaren Jackson Jr. hasn’t had his most dominant season, but his past two games have been positive signs. In both, he saved his best basketball for the fourth quarter.
Jackson finished with 13 points, six rebounds and five assists; in the fourth quarter, he scored six points and was a plus-15 after being minus-7 through three quarters.
Memphis has needed Jackson’s aggressiveness and creativity as an offensive scorer in the fourth quarter, and he’s sensing that.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.