Who Can Catch the Grizzlies, Raptors & Warriors After Flying Start?

Razzle Dazzle, Super Slams, Buzzer beaters and Magic Moments… All words to describe what’s happened in the NBA season so far. It’s still relatively early stages but some sides are shining while others are struggling. While some of the perennial favourites are finding it hard to get going there’s a triple threat of teams that are stealing the show. The Toronto Raptors lead the Eastern Conference while the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors are fighting for top spot in the West. So what have these three teams done so far that have caught the eye of the competition and have their fans dreaming of a Championship.

 
 
The Rise of the Raptors

Firstly let’s rave about the Raptors! They don’t have the hottest roster but a young squad which has spent the past 4 years developing is finally filling its potential. The Raptors have made smart decisions all season and have been able to control most of their games in both offence and defence. That’s been down to their coach. Dwayne Casey led the Raptors back to the play-offs last season, now he’s got them sitting pretty in the East. Casey has taken into account the limitations of his squad and has constructed attacking and defensive structures that best suits what he has to work with.

The Raptors have revelled on their own court, losing just once at home so far this season. They’ve landed some comfortable victories at Air Canada Stadium and it’s easy to see why with some of the loudest fans in the league cheering them on. There’s no doubt the team is in a good head space at the moment so why not give wraps to the Raps.

Grizzlies Showing Their Teeth in the West

The Grizzlies win percentage so far this season has been phenomenal as they continue to wow in the West. In some games Memphis have monstered their opposition and at stages have looked invincible. Ok so some of their wins haven’t exactly been against fierce opposition but you can only beat who’s in front of you.

While the Grizzlies have been great one man has been unstoppable. Marc Gasol is getting it done at both ends. The Spaniard is spearheading a Memphis side that’s in the top 5 in defensive efficiency. Meanwhile with ball in hand he’s proving powerful and elusive. The Grizzlies offence is singing from the same song book but Gasol is definitely the man hitting the high notes. The only question is can Memphis keep their momentum going against tougher teams?

Aussie Andrew in Golden touch for the Warriors

It’s hard not to get excited when an Australian is doing well in the NBA. Former number 1 draft pick Andrew Bogut and his Golden State Warriors are excelling this season. Could we see another Aussie claim the Championship after Aron Baynes and Patty Mills lifted the trophy with the San Antonio Spurs last season. The way the Warriors have started season 2014/15 it’s a legitimate question.

Golden State’s Stephen Curry has been hotter than the spiciest dishes with the same name. The guard’s averaging 24 points a game with a true shooting percentage of 65%. 7 assists every time he hits the court is also adding electricity to Golden State’s superb offence. Bogurt’s second in the team assists with 3 per game while he’s the Warriors main man when it comes to pulling down the boards, with 9 rebounds per game.

A potent attack has been the Warriors weapon in recent seasons but now the Westerners have added a dominant defence to their arsenal. Golden State are among the best defensive teams in the league and aren’t often offering up easy points. The Warriors have already notched up plenty of wins away in what’s been a busy run on the road so far this season, now it’s time to settle in at home and continue the hot streak.

The Raptors, Grizzlies, and Warriors may be shining so far but there’s a LONG way to go. Championships aren’t won at the start of the year but as long as the trio continue their form they should be around to ask questions during the play offs. It would be some story if the current Beasts of the East win the Championship but could the Raptors rise all the way to the top? It looks more likely the title will be one by a team from the Western Conference. Right now there are 2 who are clearly the best in the West.