The Memphis Grizzlies’ 2024-25 NBA season marked a significant rebound from their injury-ravaged 2023-24 campaign, showcasing a return to playoff contention with a dynamic offense and a strong defensive core. However, coaching changes, persistent injury concerns, and playoff shortcomings highlighted areas for improvement.
The Good
Dramatic Turnaround and Playoff Berth:
The Grizzlies finished the regular season with a 48-34 record, a 21-win improvement from their 27-55 mark in 2023-24, securing the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. They clinched a playoff spot via the play-in tournament, defeating the Dallas Mavericks on April 18, 2025, to become the last team to qualify for the 2025 NBA Playoffs. This turnaround was fueled by a 14-3 stretch over their last 17 games, positioning them as a legitimate contender. Their 13-7 start through 20 games was their best since 2014-15, setting franchise records for points, assists, true shooting percentage, field goal percentage, and three-pointers made.
Offensive Dominance:
The Grizzlies led the NBA in scoring with 123.2 points per game, a stark contrast to their league-low 105.8 points in 2023-24. They ranked first in field goals made (45.0 per game), second-chance points (17.3 per game), fouls drawn (21.8 per game), and defensive three-point percentage allowed (33.1%), while placing second in assists (30.5 per game). Their offensive rating of 135.1 with their core four (Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Zach Edey) was the best in the league. This offensive surge was driven by Morant’s return and Bane’s evolution as a three-point shooter and playmaker.
Ja Morant’s Return:
After missing most of 2023-24 due to a 25-game suspension and a shoulder injury, Ja Morant returned to superstar form, averaging 23.2 points and 7.3 assists per game. His leadership was critical, with signature performances fueling the team’s early 6-3 stretch in December 2024. Morant’s ability to orchestrate the offense and form a dynamic pick-and-roll duo with rookie Zach Edey elevated the Grizzlies’ ceiling.
Defensive Strength:
The Grizzlies ranked fourth in defensive rating and second (104.5) anchored by Jaren Jackson Jr. (1.5 blocks per game). Their defensive versatility, with Jackson protecting the rim, made them a top-five team in both offensive and defensive ratings.
Rookie Impact and Depth:
Rookie Zach Edey, the No. 9 pick from Purdue, was a revelation, averaging 8.3 rebounds per game and providing rim protection and post scoring to complement Jackson. Other additions like Jaylen Wells added depth, while role players like Luke Kennard (second-best three-point shooter in 2023-24), Santi Aldama, GG Jackson, and Brandon Clarke contributed to a deep rotation. The team used 21 players, showcasing their ability to maintain performance despite injuries.
Fan Engagement and Home Atmosphere:
The Grizzlies’ return to contention revitalized FedExForum, with high-energy crowds noted during their play-in win. Promotional events like Tony Allen’s jersey retirement on March 15 and Fan Appreciation Night on April 13 further boosted fan excitement.
The Bad
Coaching Instability:
Despite a 44-29 record, the Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins on March 28, 2025, a surprising move given their playoff-bound status. This decision disrupted team continuity, as Jenkins was credited with their top-five offensive and defensive rankings. The lack of clarity on the firing’s rationale raised questions about front-office alignment, potentially impacting team morale.
Injury Concerns:
The Grizzlies led the league with 155 player games lost to injury, with Morant missing nearly 40 games and other key players like Bane dealing with health issues. This continued a trend from 2023-24, when 13 of 18 rostered players missed a combined 592 games. The reliance on young players like Edey and GG Jackson to fill gaps highlighted vulnerabilities in a competitive Western Conference.
Playoff Disappointment:
Despite securing a playoff spot, the Grizzlies lost in the first round to the Golden State Warriors, falling 2-4 in a series that ended with a 126-115 loss on April 29, 2025, at Chase Center. Their inability to advance past a veteran Warriors team exposed a lack of playoff experience and clutch performance, particularly in close games.
Over-Reliance on Core Players:
The team’s success hinged heavily on Morant, Bane, Jackson, and Edey, with no player averaging over 29 minutes per game due to load management and injuries. Players like Santi Aldama and Scotty Pippen Jr underperformed. This lack of consistent secondary production raised concerns about depth in high-stakes games.
Limited Offseason Moves:
While Edey was a strong addition, the Grizzlies made no significant free-agent signings, losing players like Ziaire Williams and Derrick Rose (retired). This lack of roster upgrades limited their ability to address shooting and playmaking deficiencies, potentially capping their ceiling against elite Western Conference teams like Oklahoma City and Denver.
Western Conference Competition:
Despite their strong record, the Grizzlies finished eighth in a loaded West, trailing teams like the Thunder and Nuggets. Preseason projections had them as high as second in the West, but their midseason 9-7 record and later struggles showed they weren’t yet on par with top contenders.
