June 19th news: In a regular season game in December 2021, the Memphis Grizzlies beat their opponents by 73 points with a score of 152 to 79, setting a record for the largest score difference in NBA history, which remains to this day. However, this young and high-spirited team is now on the verge of dismantling the team and rebuilding. The dark horse that once dominated the limelight and attracted attention is experiencing a huge reversal of fate.

In recent years, many dark horse teams in the NBA have failed to continue their glory and eventually went to reconstruction. For example, the Utah Jazz, led by Mitchell and Gobert, once won the first regular season record in the West, but repeatedly failed in the playoffs and eventually returned empty-handed. The two also left the team one after another. Another example is the Atlanta Hawks in 2021. They made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals and fought six games with the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks. But since that highlight, the Hawks have gradually returned to silence, the core of the team, Trae Young, has declined in form, and the record is mediocre. He even failed to get the guarantee of a maximum salary contract extension this summer.

The Grizzlies achieved a comprehensive rise in the 2021-22 season. They achieved an excellent record of 56 wins and 26 losses that season, ranking second in the Western Conference. The team's offensive and defensive efficiency are among the best, and rebounds, steals and blocks are the best in the league. The core Morant quickly emerged and led a group of young players to play a tough style, which frightened opponents. It was in that season that the Grizzlies defeated the current Thunder with a record 73 points difference and became famous in one battle.

However, behind the glory is the accumulation of hidden dangers within the team. Morant's controversial behavior on and off the court frequently attracted attention, and he was suspended by the league for violations such as live broadcasting with a gun. Another " problem figure " Dillon Brooks was widely criticized for his frequent provocations and dirty moves. From James to Irving and Green, everyone has become the target of his verbal provocation. With Dillon being cut and Morant being plagued by injuries and suspensions, the Grizzlies gradually lost their former competitiveness.

In the 2023-24 season, due to Morant's season-ending injury, the Grizzlies fell into a slump again, and even had to fight for draft picks by playing badly. After Morant returned this season, he still couldn't regain his former glory. His personal data continued to decline, from 27.4 points at his peak to 23.2 points. The overall performance was not satisfactory, and the team ranked only eighth in the Western Conference and stopped in the play-offs.

This summer, the Grizzlies finally ushered in a major transformation. With the core scorer Bane being traded away, the team has obviously taken the first step in rebuilding. Bane's trade brought the Grizzlies four first-round picks plus chips such as Pope and Cole Anthony. According to American media Kevin O'Connor , the Grizzlies have as many as 11 first-round draft picks in the next seven years and have the capital to carry out a thorough reconstruction. He even suggested that the team send Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. away in exchange for maximum returns.

Whether the Grizzlies will choose to completely rebuild is still undecided, but what is certain is that this dark horse team that once dominated the Western Conference is no longer as sharp as it once was. Ironically, the Thunder team that was once beaten by the Grizzlies by 73 points has now become the biggest favorite in the league and is heading towards the championship and dynasty. The wheel of fate seems to be turning again.