When you play with fire, eventually you’re going to get burned. The Memphis Grizzlies, as they continue a process where every game can contain a lesson (if they allow for it to), learned that last night in their loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
For two teams on similar playing fields in terms of competitive aspirations - although with Gordon Hayward on their team, you can argue the Hornets are trying a little harder to be “contenders” (at least playoff contenders) - experience matters. That’s why the fun play-in/playoff run last season for the Grizzlies was so valuable.