The Memphis Grizzlies’ impressive 116-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves offers a compelling case study in how NBA teams can thrive without their star players. With both Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards sidelined, this game revealed a fundamental truth about basketball that often gets overlooked in our star-obsessed sports culture: well-constructed teams with depth and cohesive systems can overcome the absence of individual brilliance.
System Basketball Trumps Star Power
What made Memphis’ victory particularly noteworthy wasn’t just that they won without Morant, but how they won. Jaren Jackson Jr. stepped up with 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Jock Landale contributed 20 points including four crucial three-pointers. This balanced attack, with six players scoring in double figures, demonstrates the effectiveness of system basketball over star-dependent strategies.
The Grizzlies’ 14-2 run in the third quarter exemplifies this approach perfectly. Six different players contributed during this stretch, showcasing the kind of democratic offense that becomes possible when a team doesn’t rely on a single creator. Compare this to teams like the Lakers, who struggle mightily when LeBron James sits, posting a negative net rating without him on the floor nearly every season of his tenure.
The Timberwolves, despite their recent success, clearly missed Edwards’ shot creation in crucial moments. When the game tightened late in the fourth quarter, Minnesota lacked that go-to scorer who could manufacture points against set defenses. Julius Randle’s 21 points weren’t enough to fill the Edwards-sized void in their offense.
The Brandon Clarke Factor: Depth as Insurance
Brandon Clarke’s return after missing significant time due to knee injuries represents another dimension of the depth argument. Though he contributed modestly (6 points, 3 rebounds), his presence reinforces Memphis’ roster construction philosophy: having multiple capable players at each position creates redundancies that insulate against injuries.
The Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship run provides a historical parallel. When Kawhi Leonard sat for load management (22 games), the Raptors went 17-5, showcasing how well-designed systems can maintain excellence even without their centerpiece. Similarly, the 2014 Spurs demonstrated how collective execution could overwhelm the star-studded Miami Heat.
Memphis has built their roster with similar principles in mind. Players like Landale, who hit a career-high four three-pointers, represent the modern NBA role player – versatile, capable of expanding their game when needed, and comfortable operating within a defined system.
The Defensive Identity Remains Constant
While offensive production without star players can fluctuate, defensive identity typically remains more stable. The Grizzlies held Minnesota to just 110 points despite the Wolves having several of their key players available. This defensive consistency stems from system principles rather than individual brilliance.
Jackson Jr.’s defensive presence was particularly noteworthy. As a former Defensive Player of the Year candidate, his ability to protect the rim while still defending in space creates a defensive backbone that remains effective regardless of who’s available on offense.
The Golden State Warriors during their dynasty years maintained elite defensive ratings even when Stephen Curry missed time because their defensive system and principles remained intact. Memphis appears to be building with similar philosophical underpinnings.
Alternative Viewpoint: Stars Still Matter in Playoff Basketball
The counterargument deserves consideration: regular season success without stars doesn’t necessarily translate to playoff viability. When defenses tighten and game plans become more targeted over a seven-game series, having an elite shot creator often becomes essential. The Milwaukee Bucks’ struggles without Giannis Antetokounmpo in playoff scenarios illustrate this reality.
Additionally, Minnesota was missing their own superstar in Anthony Edwards. A full-strength Timberwolves team might have exposed the limitations of Memphis’ star-less approach. The sample size of one regular season game doesn’t definitively prove the superiority of depth over star power.
However, these objections, while valid, miss the larger point. The Grizzlies aren’t suggesting they’re better without Morant – they’re demonstrating they can remain competitive without him. This resilience creates leverage in roster construction, allowing teams to avoid overpaying for stars out of desperation and instead build more sustainable models.
The Implications for NBA Team Building
Memphis’ approach offers a blueprint for mid-market teams that can’t rely on attracting multiple superstars. By developing a strong system and acquiring versatile players who complement each other, teams can build sustainable success rather than hitching their fortunes to the availability of one or two stars.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have embraced similar principles, building a deep roster around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that can withstand absences. Their approach has yielded one of the league’s best records this season while maintaining long-term flexibility.
For players, this game highlights the value of developing complementary skills rather than trying to become primary creators. Jock Landale’s career-high in three-pointers demonstrates how role players who expand their skill sets can find themselves making crucial contributions in unexpected moments.
As the NBA salary cap continues to create financial pressures, the ability to find production from players on team-friendly contracts becomes increasingly valuable. Memphis’ victory showcases how this approach can yield immediate dividends while positioning teams for long-term success.
