Jaylen Wells reveals how relentless pressure and suffocating defense in the first three quarters systematically dismantle opponents' offensive rhythm, fueling the Grizzlies' late-game dominance.
The Memphis Grizzlies were searching for stability after a difficult start to the season. Over the past two weeks, they have found it on the defensive end — particularly in fourth quarters, where opponents have repeatedly run out of space, rhythm and options. Jaylen Wells, one of the key pieces in Memphis’ evolving rotation, offered the simplest explanation for the turnaround.
Wells, who has averaged 12.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 24 games this year, said the Grizzlies’ recent success has come not from a new scheme but from defensive pressure that accumulates through the first three quarters and tightens in the fourth.
His comments came after Memphis’ 119–96 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, a game that reflected the team’s progress: another opponent held under 20 fourth-quarter points, another double-digit win, and another night in which the Grizzlies controlled the closing stretch.
Asked to describe what has changed for Memphis late in games, Wells pointed toward the impact he believes the Grizzlies’ physicality and activity have on opposing scorers.
“I think part of it is just wearing them down,” he said, noting how Memphis’ pressure, rotations and rim protection gradually restrict an opponent’s options and force ball-handlers into tougher decisions.
Wells added that the fourth-quarter success is a direct result of the work done long before the final period arrives.
“Obviously, we play a very aggressive defense, and we have great defenders — Zach protecting the rim, and then me, Vince, and Santi can play against the best players and ball handlers,” he said. “So all of that just kind of goes into one and just being able to wear a team down throughout those first three quarters.”
The win over Portland pushed Memphis to 11–13, good for ninth in the Western Conference, and continued the team’s climb after a 4–10 start. The Grizzlies have gone 7–3 in their last 10 games, a stretch defined by improved depth, steadier execution and a defensive approach that has produced consecutive sub-20-point fourth quarters. Against the Blazers, Memphis also posted a 69–35 bench-scoring advantage behind strong performances from Santi Aldama, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jock Landale.
Wells said the defensive performance is closer to what the team expected from the beginning of the season.
“For sure. Definitely,” he said. “We’ve made some adjustments, and I think it’s been working,” he said. “Just keeping it consistent and believing in what we’re doing.”
The Grizzlies will need that consistency as they try to continue their rise in a crowded Western Conference. But inside the locker room, Wells’ comments reflected a growing confidence — one built on a defense that isn’t just finishing games but shaping them.
“Just keeping it consistent and believing in what we’re doing,” Wells said, summarizing the message guiding Memphis’ steady climb back into the race.