How the ‘sanctified’ bench relieves Tuomas Iisal’s migraine

As the NBA’s marathon schedule continues, roster depth is often what separates playoff contenders from the pack. However, managing rotational minutes can be a persistent headache for any coach. Fortunately for Memphis Grizzlies no drama, Tuomas Iisal’s medicine appeared in the form of a hungry second unit turning games back in Beale Street’s favor. Cam Spencer, John Konchar, Saint Aldama, Kentavious Caldwell-Popeand Jock Landale became a chemistry experiment that went right, providing seamless transitions when Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., i Zach Edey take a break

Santi Aldama broke the deadlock in November. The Spanish star posted 14.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.5 combined steals and blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field, though his three-point shooting is still a work in progress under Iisal’s system. Aldama is making 34.8% conversions from beyond the arc overall, but especially struggles with open looks when defenders are positioned four to six feet (28.3% according to NBA tracking data). The recording quality is there; the results should simply follow.

The unit’s most explosive weapon is undoubtedly Cam Spencer, whose early shooting numbers border on the absurd. Averaging 15.7 points on 81% True Shooting with 5.1 assists, Spencer is a whopping 21-for-34 (61.7%) from deep, sparking early, if premature, chatter about his place in the league’s shooting hierarchy. However, according to the Finnish tactician, the magic formula is not only about individual numbers.

“Our defensive consistency,” Iisalo was quick to say. “It’s just practice. The guys are really committed to playing together and playing a certain way. I think they’re having a lot of fun playing together on the court. You can see it on their faces, the way they move the ball and the way they move defensively covering each other.”

That defensive connection fuels their offensive flow. Both Aldama and Spencer shoot over 40% on wide open (6+ foot space) looks. The ball closes with purpose, and the spacing created by Spencer’s gravity and Aldama’s versatility opens up driving lanes and jump passes. It’s a system built on trust, a theme echoed in recent weeks by starters like Jaren Jackson Jr. regarding the team’s all-around unselfishness.

Forget the statistics. Iisalo sees selflessness as a direct product of camaraderie built through righteousness.

“It’s great to see (those stats), but that’s because the guys have put in a lot of work,” Iisalo added. “In new defensive schemes, defensive systems, integrating Zach Eddy, it’s not easy, but we try to do as much as possible as the schedule allows. (The consistency and success) is a testament to their work ethic.”

The effect is twofold. First, it gives Iisal reliable high-energy minutes he can plug in without fear of a slump, easing the strategic “migraine” of rotation management. Second, it creates internal competition and raises the collective floor, forcing everyone to match the commitment and cohesion of the bench.

While star-driven lineups often grab headlines, championship aspirations are bolstered by other units that play starting-caliber cohesion. Just look at what the Oklahoma City Thunder have accomplished over the past few years. Fortunately, in a league where “short minutes” can cause friction, Iisalo has a group that not only embraces its role but dominates it.

of course Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edei deserve a lot of credit. Ja Morant will be back soon sell some tickets. However, thanks to Aldama’s versatile two-way game and Spencer’s historic shooting start, these near-healthy Grizzlies are slowly becoming a nightmare.