After nearly a decade with the Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Randolph signed with the Sacramento Kings as Tony Allen signed with the New Orleans Pelicans in free agency. With both players playing significant roles in the team's ‘Grit and Grind' slogan, the Grizzlies are in a new era with the 2017-18 NBA season officially underway.
Prior to the 111-101 win over the Golden State Warriors, head coach David Fizdale spoke about how they match up against the defending champions without Randolph and Allen according to Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal:
https://twitter.com/CAGrizBeat/status/921830008133431301
While Fizdale had some concerns before the game, the Grizzlies have been one of the few tough opponents for the Warriors since head coach Steve Kerr took over prior to the 2014-15 season. Despite losing two tough players, Marc Gasol led the way with 34 points and 14 rebounds in 36 minutes.
As the Grizzlies are embracing pace and space like the rest of the league, they have gotten off to a 2-0 start in this new era. They will be tested as they face the Houston Rockets twice over their next five games, but with Gasol and Mike Conley leading the way, they are expected to be competitive in the Western Conference despite losing two key contributors.
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