One look at this Memphis Grizzlies team, and you'd think that they're vastly different from their Grit and Grind counterparts. Those teams, led by Tony Allen, Marc Gasol, and Zach Randolph, were built to wear you down on defense. Meanwhile, the Ja Morant-led version of the team seems to be a lot more loose, free-flowing even.

However, it does seem like the Grit and Grind tradition still continues with this Memphis squad. As the season is winding down, it would surprise some fans to know that the Grizz are the only team to lead the league in rebounds, steals, and blocks in a single season. Talk about making your ancestors proud! (via StatMuse)

Behind the flashiness of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane is a solid Grizzlies defensive core with a lot of gritty players. Steven Adams is basically the heir apparent to the original “Grindfather” Zach Randolph. His no-nonsense, strongman style of play has been the key to the team's defense. Jaren Jackson Jr. has also taken significant strides, fouling less and being a more efficient help defender.

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The result is an offensively loaded team that can amply support their stars on defense. Morant is a stud, but his light frame and occasional inattentiveness makes him a sub-par defender. However, with Jackson and Adams behind him, and Bane and Dillon Brooks flanking him, the Grizzlies star cannot be as easily exploited as other guards.

Besides, Morant has the potential to make big plays on defense when needed. The Grizzlies star's athleticism bails him out at times as he's able to recover for some insane blocks, such as this one on Larry Nance Jr. earlier today.

The young Grizzlies are ready to take over the league now. They currently hold the second seed in the Western Conference, and are poised to hold home-court advantage through the second round, at least. Can they shock the world and make it to the Finals this year. With their extraordinary superstar and the lessons of their Grindfathers before them, they have the tools to certainly do so. The whole world will be watching the Grizzlies with anticipation come playoff time.