The Memphis Grizzlies have made five straight playoff appearances but only one trip beyond the second round. Hence, their style, centered on playing bruising defense and attacking the inside, is taking a hit.
Writing for Hardwood Paroxysm, Ian Levy compared the Grizzlies to Greek mythology's Sisyphus, who rolled a boulder up a hill only to watch it roll back down.
The partnership between Zach Randolph and the Grizzlies has been transformational, in both directions, but each failed attempt to be their best selves with Grit-and-Grind makes that particular process more flawed and untenable.