MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Sitting atop the NBA standings is new territory for the Memphis Grizzlies. Just getting off to a fast start is unusual.
The Grizzlies, who usually stumble out the gate, are a league-best 13-3. They've never had a better record after the first 16 games of the season. They were 11-5 in 2005-06 and 10-6 last season.
Coach Lionel Hollins and his Grizzlies list several reasons for the great start, ranging from scheduling to preseason preparation to better chemistry.
Guard Mike Conley credits a different mindset at the start of training camp for the turnaround. He says the Grizzlies already were in shape and in mid-season form mentally for their season-opener.
So far, so good.
The Grizzlies are the NBA's best after a 108-98 overtime win over Phoenix on Tuesday night.
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