Tuomas Iisalo ready to add new “wrinkles” to Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr.

The The Memphis Grizzlies were in desperate need of a win on the FedEx forum, and Tuomas Iisalo made some news in an unconventional way. With more than half of their regular rotation on the sidelines, Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs are still missing from the FedEx forum. Of course, five combined blocks from Santi Aldama and Jaren Jackson Jr. deserves a lot of credit. Injured group of I MorantScotty Pippen Jr. Zach EdeyTy Jerome, Brandon Clarke, John Konchar, Olivier-Maxens Prosper and Cedric Coward still had to appreciate how the system overcame the odds.

The win represented much more than just snapping a four-game losing streak. It was confirmation that Iisal’s system was working. It was also a signal to fans that these Grizzlies are still focused on making a legitimate postseason push despite the adversity. Iisalo insists that the first 35 games were less about installing the perfect system and more about building a resilient one.

“I think it’s good to get some kind of confirmation for the hard work the guys are putting in,” Iisalo stressed. “That’s always great, especially coming into a game where we did a tremendous job executing the game plan. We were very disciplined, especially after halftime. It was a great job defensively (against Spurs).”

The increase went well beyond the win column.

“(The win) obviously gives a lot of confidence, not only to the players but also to the coaching staff that we can really do it,” Iisalo explained. “We’ve put in some different types of wrinkles in a very short period of time. I think we’re at that stage of the season where it’s very important to have a change.”

That growing confidence comes at a crucial time. The schedule offers the Grizzlies some stability, a precious commodity in today’s NBA. With three more home games at FedExForum before a two-game road trip to face the Orlando Magic in Europe, Iisal’s side have a great opportunity to jump up the standings. Upon returning to the United States, four of the next five are also at home.

It’s the perfect runway for a team that is expected to improve for years. The goal is no longer just survival. It needs to develop. For Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and the team’s battle-tested returning core, that means returning to rotations ready to play their role as defined by the first-year head coach. This locker room can’t afford a headache if they expect to play more than 82 games this season.