New York Knicks vs Memphis Grizzlies: Have the Knicks Improved Their Offence?

• The New York Knicks hope to get off to a good start as they aim for the top of the East.
• The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to follow up on what was an impressive 2021-22 season.
• The Grizzlies swept their season series with the Knicks last year, 2-0.

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The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to follow up on what was a brilliant campaign in their 2021-22 season. However with injuries to their frontcourt and limited reinforcements over the offseason, an improved and motivated Knicks team could win the opening-day matchup.

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Injury Report

NYK: Have the Knicks improved their offence?

The New York Knicks let go of some key veterans this offseason and continued to invest in their internal growth. One place where they needed to improve was in their team passing, as they ranked dead last in the league in assists per game.

In a switch from previous years, New York were a capable three-point shooting and rebounding team, but they struggled to score at the rim and in the mid-range. Head coach Tom Thibodeau will need to find a way to find quality shots off of their star players.

Through their early preseason games they've improved, combining for 26 assists and just 11 turnovers - good enough for fifth in the league last year. The addition of Brunson has clearly helped, and now the likes of Barrett and Randle can concentrate on what they do best.

Knicks Key Player: (G) Jalen Brunson

The New York Knicks didn't make massive improvements this summer, but their big-money acquisition Jalen Brunson will be given his first opportunity to shine. Brunson made his name as a playmaker and explosive scorer through Dallas' incredible post-season campaign last year, something the Knicks will need from him to beat the Grizzlies.

In what was a contract year, Brunson put on his best season as a professional. He averaged 16.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds on 50.2% shooting from the field and 37.3% shooting from three-point range. However, it was his 21.6 points per game in the playoffs that earned him his massive Knicks contract.

Playmaking was New York's biggest issue last season, and Brunson should help solve some of that problem. He's been playing off of a more focused playmaker in recent years, but if his playmaking can build off of his scoring threat, the Knicks players and fans are in for a treat.

MEM: Can the Grizzlies improve their shooting efficiency?

The Memphis Grizzlies are missing an inside presence for their opening game, but it won't be one of their bigger worries. Despite boasting one of the best offences and defences in the NBA last year, they struggled to convert from the three-point line.

Last season the Grizzlies were 19th in the NBA in field goal percentage, shooting just 46.1% overall. They especially struggled from three, converting on just 35.3% of their overall attempts. Despite their ability to get to the paint - second in the league in two-point field goals made - they struggled to convert on their kick-outs and playmaking.

Ja Morant's slashing ability will be key to starting the Grizzlies' offence, but it'll be up to the role players to finish. They added some shooters in Jake LaRavia and David Roddy, but a fair amount of their success will be based on the growth of their returning squad.

Grizzlies Key Player: (G) Ja Morant

Incoming fourth-year guard Ja Morant is the engine that drove the Memphis Grizzlies' incredible season last year. In a weakened Western Conference, Morant put in an All-Star calibre season that put the Memphis Grizzlies back on the map.

Morant is coming off a season where he posted averages of 27.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. He shot 49.3% from the field, his best mark as a professional, while also knocking down 34.4% of his three-point shots.

The Grizzlies are unpolished and Morant tends to focus on his athleticism more than his technical ability to overwhelm opponents. With a shorthanded lineup against the Knicks, Morant will have to create opportunities for his teammates in order to take down New York.

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