Grizzlies' Three-Point Shooting Stands Out in Preseason Opener

The Memphis Grizzlies are 1-0 in the preseason after defeating the Atlanta Hawks.

Memphis defeated Atlanta 132-123 in a preseason exhibition on Oct. 5. The franchise is entering the season with a brand-new team and future draft capital.

Although the preseason doesn't have implications for how the team's regular season will go, it can be used as a measuring stick for patterns throughout the season. After the team's first preseason game, there is one statistic that could help the team as it develops throughout the season.

Memphis shot 41.9% from three as a team in Monday's win over Atlanta. For the Grizzlies to be successful this season and long-term, they will need to be able to space the floor.

Today's NBA relies on an inside-outside game with a strong emphasis on 3-point shooting. Last season, the Grizzlies shot 35.3% from three, which ranked 22nd in the league.

Last season's percentage may have declined due to the team dealing with injuries, and one of its best shooters, guard Ty Jerome, missed a lot of games due to injury. During the 2024-25 season, the franchise shot 36.7% from three and ranked 11th in the league.

Shooting 41.9% in the preseason may not translate into the regular season, but the Memphis front office was intentional about adding shooters to the team to help the frontcourt.

Forward Jaylen Wells, center Quinten Post, guard Cam Spencer, and guard Scotty Pippen Jr. each shot 66.7% from three.

While that may not translate into the regular season, it's an indication of the possibilities with this young roster as it matures.

Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo will enter his second full season as the Grizzlies' head coach. Despite the team's current rebuilding status, he has a lot of young talent and rotations that he can experiment with.

Iisalo will enter the rebuild at the helm and will have the opportunity to implement new systems with a fresh roster. He will have a roster with a balanced approach to the frontcourt and backcourt.

With younger talent and no clear franchise player carrying playoff expectations, Iisalo will be able to coach with less internal pressure from players and external pressure from fans. This rebuild signals a fresh start for Memphis.

All NBA teams will have to make their final roster cuts on Monday, Oct. 19, as the regular season gets underway Oct. 20.