標籤: disruptive

The Memphis Grizzlies needed a spark to stop an eight-game slump. He found it in the long-term defensive versatility of Taylor Hendricks. In a crucial home win over Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets, the 22-year-old shotstower showed why the Grizzlies are betting on his former first-round pedigree.

Hendricks changed the stat line that defines “disruptive,” racking up 13 points, six steals and three blocks in a matchup against the three-time NBA MVP. This performance was evidence of the Grizzlies and Isalo’s growing comfort level with the coaching staff. Judging by the early contests, the last few weeks have been sensational. Since February 23, he is averaging 13 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks.

Credit goes to something that can’t be measured as easily as shooting 35.8% from beyond the arc.

“That’s our communication from the bench,” Hendricks said. “It’s telling each other that the only way to get better is to finish games.”

That trust and respect for all voices represents a change for the 6-foot-9 forward, whose path has been slowed by injuries since entering the league. Amidst a chaotic season with two different teams, Hendricks is finally being given the freedom to play through the mistakes. This is benefiting the Grizzlies in a big way, who now know they have a fundamental frontcourt piece.

“Taylor has been great. That’s one of the things that hasn’t really surprised us, but just his ability with his wings. He’s really disruptive,” Isalo stressed, “(Hendrix) is able to put pressure on smaller guards and bigger guys while handling himself physically, and being able to regain his position.”

Whether defending on the perimeter or battling inside, Hendricks’ ability to toggle between positions has given the Grizzlies a flexible piece during a period defined by roster instability. But this opportunity did not materialize just like that and the path to reach this point was not easy.

Grizzlies come to the scene in spring

Isalo believes a change of scenery was just what was needed to provide the mental reset needed to move on from those setbacks.

“I think it’s really just a fresh start, and if you look at Taylor’s short professional career so far, it seems like he’s had some injuries. He obviously had a big injury last season, and it’s not always easy to come back from that,” Isalo said. “And from what I see and know in discussions with him, you see he’s really enjoying playing. He feels very grateful for the opportunity. He enjoys it. He says you know every day I learn something new and play through the mistakes, which is really not the case.”

Hendricks’ willingness to “play despite mistakes” has allowed the young forward to have an impact on wins even when his jumper isn’t falling. Jokic struggled against the Nuggets from deep, shooting only 1 of 10 from three-point range. In many systems, such a cold night can result in benching; Under Isalo, it was a footnote to a dominant defensive night.

“It’s something that I think is a really good fit for him, and he’s found a really good spot on our roster where he complements a lot of other guys,” Isalo explained. “He’s able to play the big spot, rebound there, but also at the four. And he’s hitting shots. Even (against Jokic), he was 10 of 10 from three, he still impacts the game in a very positive way. So, it’s not like he needs to just make shots to impact the game, and those players are very valuable.”

Looking for a late-season highlight, Isalo’s preference is to lean toward opportunity. Few players embrace it more than Taylor Hendricks. A more aggressive and smooth version of the first-rounder is probably the best Zach Eddy insurance for the Grizzlies. If these disruptions hold true to his on-court character, his upside could fill much of the void left by Jaren Jackson Jr.

On Sunday night, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Houston Rockets, winning 145-120 thanks to a stellar offensive performance from the entire team. They shot over 50 percent overall on the night, and were so unstoppable, making 21 of their 40 three-point attempts that kept the Rockets away for most of the night.

A moment during the game caught the attention of many people. Fans caught Amen Thompson confronting Stephen Castle, while the Spurs sophomore turned to his head coach Mitch Johnson for some advice.

Others will protect their privacy when speaking to their head coach. There was no castle. After all, the Spurs guard believes that even if the Rockets know what their strategies are, they will still won’t be able to do anything To compete with them somehow.

“I went out there and talked to (the coaches) about what I needed to talk about. It didn’t really matter if the other team knew what we were going to do or if they knew our game. I didn’t think they were going to stop it, so it didn’t really matter,” Cassel said, per Jared Weiss of The Athletic.

Steph Cassel: “I went out there and talked to (Johnson) about what I needed to talk about. It doesn’t really matter if the other team knows what we’re going to do or they know our game. I don’t think they were going to stop it, so it doesn’t really matter.” https://t.co/j1SVupuhzl

– Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) 9 March 2026

Now that’s a cool response that shows just how confident the Spurs are – and why they showed on Sunday they are ahead of the Rockets as a competitive team.

Victor Wembanyama effect is on full display for Spurs

In recent years it has become even more clear that teams prioritize identifying their best players. For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama is bringing unstoppable confidence every night, and there isn’t a single person in the NBA that Wembanyama is afraid of.

This young Spurs team, who owns the second-best record in the NBA at 47-17, carries itself with so much swag that it shouldn’t be a surprise if they win it all this year.