The Memphis Grizzlies seem to be way ahead of schedule in their supposed rebuilding season.  After leaving the Grit N' Grind era in the past by shipping franchise cornerstones Marc Gasol and Mike Conley Jr., the Grizz were expected to struggle right of the gate in the 2019-20 NBA regular season campaign.

The young Grizzlies, however, has managed to stay competitive in the murderer's row of the stacked Western Conference standings, currently holding the eight seed with an 18-22 slate after winning their last six games in a row.

Per Ben Golliver of The Athletic, the Grizzlies' latest surge is the franchise's first since 2006.

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The Grizzlies' new dynamic duo of rookie savant Ja Morant and impressive second-year forward Jaren Jackson Jr. have a lot to do for the team's surprising uptick, once again coming up huge in Memphis' 121-110 win over the Houston Rockets at the FedEx Forum on Tuesday. Morant held his own against superstar James Harden, producing 26 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. Jackson, meanwhile, added 15 points while playing stellar defense down low.

Morant and Jackson Jr. are both just 20 years young and primed to even get better in the coming seasons. Morant, who was picked second overall by the Grizzlies in this year's draft, is currently the frontrunner for the Rookie of The Year plum with averages of 17.8 points,3.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.0 steals.

Apart from connecting on highlight plays with his crafty handles and explosive athleticism, Morant has also displayed poise at the point guard position rarely seen with players his age. Jackson, meanwhile, fits the mold of the modern big men in today's game. He's been a terror on both ends of the floor, notching 18.1 points, 4.9 boards, 1.5 assists and 1.4 blocks.