Zach Edey Sparks Grizzlies' Midseason Revival, Spurs Await Key Returns, and Zion's Leadership Journey Hits a Pause
Just a few weeks ago, the Memphis Grizzlies were staring down the barrel of a lost season. Sitting at 4-11, injuries piling up, and momentum nowhere in sight, it looked like the wheels were coming off early. Then Zach Edey stepped onto the court-and everything shifted.
Since making his debut in mid-November, the second-year big man has helped Memphis win five of their last six. And this isn’t just a case of a young player providing a spark.
Edey’s presence has been foundational. He’s not just fitting in-he’s anchoring the turnaround.
“Everything,” head coach Tuomas Iisalo said when asked about the 7-foot-4 center’s impact. “Great job overall by him and the whole team for realizing that’s where the advantage is.”
That advantage was on full display Sunday night in Sacramento, where Edey delivered his most dominant performance yet: 32 points, 17 rebounds, five blocks, and 16-of-20 shooting. Memphis outscored the Kings by 25 points with him on the floor in what ended up being an eight-point win. That’s not just a good night-that’s a statement.
“I’ve just been really comfortable this year,” Edey said postgame. “I’ve been settling in, feeling like I’m back at Purdue a little bit.
Just comfortable. It feels like everybody’s been playing good basketball and executing the game plan and the vision.”
That comfort is translating into production. Over his last three games-all wins-Edey is averaging 19.3 points, 17 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks while shooting nearly 72 percent from the field.
He’s logging 32 minutes a night and making every one of them count. For a Memphis team that desperately needed a stabilizing force in the paint, Edey has become the fulcrum.
In San Antonio, Patience Is the Plan
Meanwhile, in San Antonio, the Spurs are still waiting to get their two most exciting young players back on the floor. Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle remain sidelined with calf and hip injuries, respectively. But there is progress-both have begun on-court work as part of their rehab process, according to the team.
Neither player will travel to Orlando for Wednesday’s game, and their availability for the upcoming four-game road trip is still up in the air. While the Spurs continue to struggle in the win column, the focus remains long-term. Getting Wembanyama and Castle healthy-and keeping them that way-is the priority.
Zion’s Growth Paused by Injury
Down in New Orleans, Zion Williamson had been turning a corner-both on the court and in his mindset. Just two days before news broke of his strained adductor, Williamson spoke with a level of confidence and clarity that suggested he was finally feeling like himself again.
“I haven’t felt like this since college, high school,” he said Sunday. “I walk in the gym, and I feel good.”
That version of Zion had been playing inspired basketball. Interim head coach James Borrego praised his performance but emphasized that the next step in Zion’s evolution goes beyond stat lines.
“That’s one area of growth for him that he and I consistently talk about. It’s how to lead,” Borrego said. “He’s obviously a talent, but the more he can lean into leadership and grow into his teammates, that’s where he wants to go.”
Now, with the injury sidelining him, that momentum is on pause. The Pelicans are still waiting to get healthy across the board, and Zion’s absence is yet another hurdle. But if his recent mindset is any indication, he’s not just preparing to return-he’s preparing to lead.
Big Men, Big Impacts
Across the Western Conference, one thing is clear: the bigs are making waves. Zach Edey is powering a Grizzlies resurgence.
Victor Wembanyama is inching closer to a return that could reshape the Spurs’ trajectory. And Zion Williamson, even as he heals, is being challenged to take the next step-not just as a star, but as a leader.
The season is still young, but the storylines are already rich. And if the last few weeks are any indication, we’re just getting started.