If you watch Grizzlies games for fun, please raise your hand. Liars.The Grizzlies have never been the team to watch, and year after year they are called pretenders, a group of men who will never become skilled enough on the offensive end of the floor to really threaten anyone- which they have been for the last few years.But with a healthy Marc Gasol and a group of reliable players more determined then ever before, there has been a change to this veteran squad. The team has clawed its way up the NBA's hierarchy and currently sit atop the ladder, as evidenced by its league best 12-2 record. Although the struggles on the road have continued, the Grizzlies have maintained excellence on their home floor, erasing multiple deficits on their way to a perfect 8-0 home record. Gasol has proven worth every penny he will surely be payed next summer, averaging career highs in points(19.9) and steals (1.2) while avoiding foul trouble better than ever before. Zach Randolph is continuing to be a consistent source of rebounding and scoring, excelling in both categories. Courtney Lee has also been spectacular. His production has increased vastly as he continues to be one of Memphis' lone sources of shooting, averaging a jaw dropping 89% from the free throw line and 61% from 3 point land. His effect on this team has been evident, as the Grizzlies have lost the lone game in which he didn't play, while going 10-1 with him suiting up. Some might argue that this team is built for the regular season than the playoffs, preferring to put their energies on the less glamorous end of the court. What they do not understand is that defensive minded teams fare better come playoff time. Past championship winners, such as the 2007 Celtics, the 2004 Pistons, and, to a lesser extent, the 2011-2013 Heat, have all been incredible defensive teams. Now, with the Wests top team being plagued by injuries and the defending champions struggling mightily, there is no reason why the Grizzlies cannot contend for the ultimate prize.