Mike Conley is the Memphis Grizzlies single season steals per game leader.
The Grizzlies have long been defined by a Grit and Grind mentality and style with a cavalcade of great defenders having suited up for them over the years. Memphis has been home to two Defensive Players of the Year and 12 All-Defensive selections. A big part of great defense is, of course, creating turnovers. Read on to see the best steals per game seasons in Grizzlies history.
Mike Conley – 2012, 2.2 steals per game
Conley was entering his prime in 2012 as he earned Defensive Player of the Year consideration for the first time in his career, finishing 14th in voting. A big part of that was an increase in steals production as he jumped up from 1.8 SPG to 2.2. That figure ranked second in the league behind only Chris Paul’s 2.5 steals per game. During that season, Conley had three games with five steals.
Mike Conley – 2013, 2.2 steals per game
Conley followed up his breakout 2012 with an even better season the following year. He was named Second-Team All-Defense for his efforts, which were headlined by his 2.2 steals per game. Conley led the league in total steals (174) and finished behind Chris Paul and Ricky Rubio in steals per game. This was arguably the peak of the Grit and Grind era for the Grizzlies as they made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals where the Grizzlies would face the San Antonio Spurs.
Tony Allen – 2015, 2.0 steals per game
Allen embodied the Grit and Grind era for his defensive tenacity and hustle on both ends of the floor. In 2015, Allen snatched a career-high 2.0 steals per game on his way to making the All-Defensive First team and finishing seventh in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Allen’s 2.0 SPG ranked third in the league behind only Kawhi Leonard (2.3) and Russell Westbrook (2.1).
Eric Murdock – 1996, 2.0 steals per game
Murdock had a brief but notable stint with the Grizzlies when they were based in Vancouver. After starting the season in Milwaukee, Murdock joined the Grizzlies 10 games into the season and became an impact player. He swiped 2.0 steals per game and ranked seventh in that statistical category during his lone season with the Grizz. Murdock’s defensive prowess is also noteworthy for having the NCAA steals record at the time of his graduation from Providence.
Greg Anthony – 1997, 2.0 steals per game
Anthony spent two years with the Grizzlies while they were in Vancouver, including the 1997 season when he was putting up standout defensive numbers. Anthony swiped 2.0 steals per game that season, which stood as his career high and ranked ninth in the league overall. Anthony also averaged 9.5 points and 6.3 assists during what would be his final season in Vancouver. He had stints in Seattle, Portland, Chicago and Milwaukee after leaving the Grizzlies.
