"We're right there, we are literally going toe-to-toe against the best team in the NBA," Jenkins said after Monday night's 120-113 loss at FedExForum. "We are doing a great deal of things great compared to preceding game. We got to find ways to do more"
However, what more could the Grizzlies do monitoring 3-1 at the Western Conference first-round series and facing elimination? The Jazz have outscored them by 26 points, created 29 more 3-pointers and still won Game 4 despite shooting 3-for-16 in the fourth quarter.
The Jazz have more poise in completing games than the Grizzlies, an issue all season. The Grizzlies have also exerted more energy coming back from double-digit losses only to have small gas in the end.
The show isn't over however, the Grizzlies need several breaks besides shoring up issues.
Better bench play
Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks have combined to average 56.5 points and are the only consistent crime Memphis has. If the Grizzlies are winning three consecutive games, they need help from their seat.
The Grizzlies rallied in Games 3 and 4 because a book stepped up. On Saturday it was Grayson Allen with 17 points and Monday aid came from De'Anthony Melton, who scored all 15 of his points in the fourth quarter.
The most important problem is that the inconsistency. The Grizzlies also don't have anyone that could get their own shooter like Jordan Clarkson, who scored 24 points.
Right now the Grizzlies are hoping Melton, Allen and Desmond Bane can bring something to the table Wednesday. The Jazz can trust Clarkson will stay hot and Joe Ingles will bounce straight back from being silent in Games 3-4.
Counter the math
The Grizzlies have taken strides that the last two years adopting more 3-pointers under Jenkins. It is still not enough from the Jazz.
The Jazz have five players shooting 40% or better this series. The Grizzlies have three but just one - Allen - is firing close to the loudness of the Jazz's shooters.
So what can the Grizzlies do? Keep shooting? They have thrived getting to the paint all season and lead the playoffs in paint scoring (59.3 pointers) but they can't exchange 2-pointers when the other team's hitting on 3-pointers
The Grizzlies must figure out to lessen the long-range damage, however so far, nothing has worked
Morant and Brooks have to be selfish
Morant's first career playoff double-double in Game 4 returned to his pass-first nature. The Jazz have enabled Morant to be a scorer and he has taken advantage averaging 31.0 points.
But when the Grizzlies would be to pull off a comeback, then they will need him and Brooks to keep attacking. The Jazz have had trouble stopping both players attacking the paint and if the two keep trying to score, it is going to set a tone the rest can follow.
