Author: Sharon Brown

Sharon Brown is a University of Memphis graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies with a concentration in Legal Studies. Born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, Sharon is one of the Memphis Grizzlies beat writers for the Memphis Flyer. She has created a niche in the industry by co-founding All Heart in Hoop City — a unique community of women sportswriters.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Get Payback Against Brooklyn

Photo by: Sharon Brown

The Memphis Grizzlies finally got their lick back against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night at FedExForum. The Grizzlies snapped their losing streak against the Nets, taking the final of the season’s three-game matchup, 135-119. Brooklyn had won the first two meetings. 

“The biggest thing was just [we were] locked in on the game plan,” said Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins on the biggest difference from playing the Nets earlier in the season. 

“We had way too many mistakes with our game plan. We learned a lot in the first game, and then we played them less than a week later up in Brooklyn, and we knew the game plan, we talked about it, watched the film, broke it down, all that, and we didn’t execute it.”

Jenkins concluded, “Maybe we just needed a couple extra weeks. I would give the Nets a lot of credit. They helped us a lot with our one-on-one defense and our shell defense, and they still made it tough tonight. When we made a mistake, they made you pay, but when we kind of dictated where our offense went, I thought we benefited.”

Memphis’ high-powered offense has fueled an 11-game streak of scoring 115+ points, matching the second-longest such mark in franchise history. The surge has led to a 10-1 record in those games, including a current four-game winning streak and a season-best six straight home victories.

The Grizzlies’ impressive scoring depth was on display against Brooklyn as four players reached the 20-point mark. 

Ja Morant’s stellar play continued, as he notched his seventh double-double of the season, including 28 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. The Grizzlies improved to 18-8 on the season, thanks in part to Morant’s 16-point outburst in the second quarter — a season-high for him and the highest scoring quarter by any Memphis player this season.

Morant really didn’t want to lose to the Nets for the third time. After the game he recalled the difference from the earlier two meetings against Brooklyn: “Our fight — (we) have been coming out ready to play. I feel like [Desmond Bane] set the tone for us from the jump, and I feel like that’s what we were missing. Second half, we played a little slow in both of those [earlier] games when they went on their runs; it was allowing them to continue to score the ball and slow us down offensively. Tonight, I feel like we were more locked in, paid attention to detail. 

Morant continued, “Obviously, we know we owed them two for real, but I felt like it was on purpose that they were our matchup after the in-season tournament, and it’s what we needed. Obviously, you lose to a team twice, you get another chance at it. It’s kind of refreshing for us to come and get a win. It’s something to be proud of. You lose to a team; you always want to get your lick back.”

The Grizzlies’ balanced attack saw Bane scoring 21 points and dishing out eight assists, and Jaren Jackson Jr. adding 20 points, seven rebounds, and a season-high five steals.

Santi Aldama delivered a strong performance off the bench, tallying 20 points and grabbing six rebounds, which pushed him past the 1,000-rebound threshold for his career.

Everything is clicking for the Grizzlies right now but Bane has the right mindset going forward:  “We have to stay even keeled, it’s a long season,” Bane cautioned. “Adversity is going to hit us at some point, but we have to stay true to what we’ve built, regardless of the results.”

Tid-bits

Prior to tipoff, Jaylen Wells received the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award for his outstanding play in October and November. Notably, Wells is the first Grizzlies rookie to receive this recognition since Ja Morant in the 2019-20 season. 

Up Next

The Grizzlies are heading to Los Angeles to face off against the Lakers on Sunday, December 15. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. CST at the Crypto.com Arena.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies End Decade-Long Skid in Beantown

Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies at the free-throw line during the game against the Boston Celtics on December 7, 2024. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

The drought is over. The Memphis Grizzlies ended a decade-long losing streak in Boston by defeating the Celtics 127-121, Saturday night. It was the Grizzlies’ first win in Boston since November 27, 2013.

In a testament to their resilience, the Grizzlies overcame the daunting challenge of TD Garden, one of the NBA’s most hostile environments. Memphis has won eight of its last nine games. 

The Grizzlies’ stifling defense proved too much for the Celtics, who were held to 40 percent shooting and 30 percent from beyond the arc (18-60). Memphis’ defensive game plan was particularly effective in limiting the Celtics’ star players, with Jayson Tatum struggling to a season-low 28.6% shooting and Jaylen Brown coughing up a team-high five turnovers.

Memphis outscored the Celtics 64-40 in the paint. The Grizzlies had 22 fast break points while Boston had just four.

Shaking off a tough night against the Kings in his previous game, Ja Morant delivered a clutch performance, with a near triple-double: 31 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.

And as the old folks would say, he had pep in his step. 

Jaren Jackson Jr. was also on fire, doing a little bit of everything to secure the victory. He had a stellar fourth quarter, going 6 of 9 from the field to score 14 of his 27 points. Jackson Jr.’s impact was more than just scoring; he also contributed nine rebounds, four blocks, and three steals, showcasing his remarkable defensive prowess and all-around talent.

Brandon Clarke turned in a standout performance, contributing 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals while shooting 9-of-11 from the field. Desmond Bane also played a key role down the stretch, scoring nine of his 14 points in the final period to help the Grizzlies improve to 16-8 on the season. 

In his first game back at TD Garden since the 2023 trade that sent him to Memphis, Marcus Smart had a tough shooting night, going 1-of-11 from the floor for three points in 19 minutes of action. But the only thing that mattered was a win. 

Smart entered the game with 8:50 remaining in the first quarter, the Celtics crowd erupted into a standing ovation, prompting Smart to pause and wave in appreciation of the warm reception.

Up Next

The Grizzlies will take on the Washington Wizards tonight at 6:00 p.m. CT at Capital One Arena. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports Uncategorized

Grizzlies’ Win Streak Snapped in Big D

Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the Emirates NBA Cup game on December 3, 2024. (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)


As the Emirates NBA Cup group stage came to a close, the Dallas Mavericks ended the Memphis Grizzlies’ six-game winning streak with a 121-116 win at American Airlines Center on Tuesday night. 

The Mavericks improved to 14-8, while Memphis fell to 14-8. 

The Grizzlies went up by as many as 15 points early in the fourth quarter, but they were unable to take advantage of Dallas’ blunders and ultimately lost the game. But let’s not get it twisted: The main reason for the Grizzlies’ fourth-quarter collapse was the free-throw disparity.  

The Mavericks’ 44 free throws (compared to Memphis’ 14) were the game-changer. It’s unheard of to have a free-throw differential of 30. In the final period, Dallas went to the line 26 times while the Grizzlies managed to go just three times. It was a 26-3 free-throw advantage in the fourth quarter. 

The Mavericks’ 23-free-throw edge in was the most lopsided fourth quarter disparity in the NBA since 2015 according to ESPN Stats & Info. 

Plus, Memphis couldn’t find a rhythm and went eight of 23 from the field and a dismal 2 of 10 from the three-point line in the final quarter. The Grizzlies’ offense stalled in the final three minutes, scoring just five points while making only two of nine shots, allowing the Mavericks to pull away with an 18-5 run. Dallas won the period, 39-21. 

The final period took a whopping 42 minutes to finish. 

Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with a season-best 31 points. Desmond Bane added 19 points, Jaren Jackson Jr. chipped in 16 points and seven rebounds, and Santi Aldama provided a spark off the bench with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Weird coincidence 

Memphis defeated the Mavericks in preseason, 121-116 on October 4, 2024 in Dallas. 

Up Next

The Grizzlies are gearing up to host the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum this Thursday, December 5, at 7 p.m. CT.

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Uncategorized

Dynamic Duo Delivers: Morant, Jackson Power Grizzlies to NBA Cup Win

Ja Morant after Grizzlies 120-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, November 29, 2024. (Photo credit: @memgrizz on X)

With a 120-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum on Friday, the Memphis Grizzlies extended their winning streak to five games, the team’s longest since March 2023. 

It was their first-ever win in the Emirates NBA Cup after a previous record of 0-6. 

Memphis moved to six games above .500, boasting a 13-7 record and a 6-1 mark in their last seven contests.

The Grizzlies remain formidable at FedExForum, where they’ve won four straight and own a 9-3 record this season.

In his first NBA Cup group play appearance, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 27 points (10-18 FG, 7-7 FT), seven assists and three steals. Morant consistently proves why he’s the most electrifying player in the NBA, treating fans to a nightly spectacle of athleticism and skill.

Next up was Jaren Jackson Jr., with 23 points (9-18 FG, 5-5 FT), a season-tying eight boards, and two blocked shots. 

With an impressive line of 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 28.3 minutes per game while shooting 51.6 percent from the floor, the 25-year-old is well on his way to a career-best campaign.

In their last two games together, a clear pattern has emerged: Morant sparks the Grizzlies in the first half; Jackson Jr. seals the deal in the second half.

And there’s this: 

“It’s great that Ja [Morant] sets a tone when we talk about our pace,” said Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, when asked about the Morant and Jackson Jr. dynamic. “When he’s a driver of that, we get guys running without the ball. We get kick-aheads, we get early lobs. We get drive, kick-swings or swing-swings off of his early attacks.”

Jenkins continued, “Credit to the Pelicans. [They] had a pretty good game plan against Jaren [Jackson Jr.]. He couldn’t really get to some spots on the floor. They showed double teams. He had one good kick out and then another crowded one. It took him maybe a minute to get in the flow. I’m glad in the second half he turned it up.”

Off the bench, Santi Aldama added 20 points (8-9 FG, 3-3 3P, 1-2 FT), six rebounds and four assists. 

The Grizzlies reserves have been critical to the team’s success early in the season. Memphis’ bench is second in the association in scoring this season. Over the past two games, they have outscored opponents 118-79.

On the Horizon 

In the last game of their four-game home stand on Sunday, December 1, the Memphis Grizzlies will host the Indiana Pacers at 2:30 p.m.

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Beyond the Arc Sports Uncategorized

Ja Is Back! Morant’s Return Sparks Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at FedExForum on Nov 25, 2024. (Wes Hale Photo)

After an eight-game injury absence, the Memphis Grizzlies saw an instant benefit from Ja Morant’s return. In the Grizzlies’ 123-98 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers, Monday night, Morant had an outstanding game, scoring 22 points and dishing out 11 assists.

After the win, Morant reflected on his return, saying, “I felt good, I played good.”

Several highlight-reel plays demonstrated that Morant’s return to the lineup was a smooth one. He showed great team chemistry by setting up Jaren Jackson Jr. for an alley-oop and dishing a behind-the-back pass to Brandon Clarke.

And we can’t forget his out-of-nowhere dunk. 

Before his injury, Morant was becoming the go-to offensive catalyst for the Grizzlies, with averages of 20.6 points, 9.1 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. With his return, the team’s energy and dynamic seemed to be revitalized, leading to an increase in offensive speed. His exceptional playmaking skills not only elevate his own game but also create opportunities for teammates to excel.

The win over the Blazers propelled Memphis from seventh to fifth place in the wild, wild Western Conference standings.

The Grizzlies extended their winning streak to three games, matching their longest streak of the season. They’ve also won four of their last five games, showcasing their growing momentum.

Morant’s influence on the game was a testament to his return to form. “Just attacking my return process,” Morant said after the game. “The ramp up. Making sure I’m in rhythm when I’m out there.”

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins praised Morant’s return. “He works his tail off, throughout the return-to-play process,” said Jenkins. “He loves this game. He misses being out there. I think I said it to someone before the game – his engagement, even when he’s out, you all don’t get to see the work that he’s putting in.”

Jenkins added: “This past week was some of the best work I’d seen from him … His engagement with his teammates, his voice in the locker room, film sessions, and on the sidelines — he was chomping at the bit to get out there. He and I were talking on the side saying, ‘What’s this going to look like in two weeks from now?’ We were talking two weeks ago about the things he was doing well, what he can correct, what he can get better at, where the team’s head space is at, what we have to do better just as a team … He was translating that to the guys throughout the game. He was just locked in the last three-ish weeks.”

“He loves the game — he put in the work,” Jenkins said. “And this is no shock — the impact he made with the pace of play. I thought he did a phenomenal job on [Anfernee] Simons defensively. He held him to five points. His point of attack defensively definitely set a tone for us as well tonight.”

Jackson Jr. powered through a slow start to post 21 points, with 12 coming in the 4th quarter, while shooting 66.7% from the field. 

The 25-year-old big man emphasized the importance of versatility, saying that a player can’t rely on just one skill. Instead, being effective requires a mix of different abilities, such as posting up, driving, and shooting from outside. This versatility also allows for more energy and activity on defense.

“It felt more like a playoff atmosphere, I was loving it,” said Jackson Jr. on the energy inside FedExForum. 

Santi Aldama secured a career-high 17 rebounds and 13 points (6-12 FG, 1-1 3P), marking his sixth double-double of the season. Aldama has achieved three double-doubles in his last four games.

With their two-time All-Star back in the lineup, the Grizzlies are well-positioned to make a playoff push. However, to make a deep playoff run, Morant’s health is crucial. After navigating earlier season challenges with injuries and inconsistencies, the team’s success hinges on Morant’s ability to stay healthy.

Next Up

The Grizzlies will host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, November 27, at FedExForum. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM CST. To make the game even more appealing, the first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a City Edition Scarf.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizz Beat 76ers; Jenkins Surpasses Hollins as Winningest Coach

Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, November 20th at FedExForum. (Photo credit: @memgrizz on X (formerly known as Twitter)

Wednesday’s 117-111 win over the Philadelphia 76ers was a historic moment for Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins, as he notched his 215th career win and became the franchise’s all-time winningest coach, surpassing the legendary Lionel Hollins.

After the game, Jenkins reflected on becoming the team’s winningest coach, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledging the coaches who paved the way before him. He emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with players and the community, and said he feels blessed to be part of the Grizzlies’ legacy:

“It’s an unbelievable honor to be among the company of so many great coaches that have come before me. I always talk about the unbelievable responsibility I have: to be the head coach of this franchise. The faith that Robert [Pera]’s had in me, [Zach Kleiman]’s had in me, our players, the staff I get to work with every single day.” 

Jenkins recalled what former Grizzlies coaches had told him: “They said Memphis is going to give you everything they’ve got if you give them everything you’ve got, but they’re going to give it to you ten-fold. So, I hope I can give it to them ten-fold, they can give it to me a hundredfold and more. It’s an honor.”

Against Philadelphia, Memphis showcased a well-rounded offense, with Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the charge with 25 points. Through 14 games, Jackson Jr. is averaging 23 points per game to lead the Grizzlies to 9-7 on the season. 

Desmond Bane was also impressive, narrowly missing a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. 

Bane had been struggling offensively after returning from injury. On Tuesday night in the 122-110 loss to the Denver Nuggets, he went 1-of-10 from the field. He knew he had to be better. 

“I didn’t like the way I played last night (against Denver),” said Bane. “I slept on it, thought about it, and wanted to come back and make sure that I led with the right foot forward, so I knew that I was gonna lead. I didn’t know how, but I knew I was going to lead.”

Other key contributors included Santi Aldama with 12 points and six assists, rookie Jaylen Wells with 14 points and standout defensive play, Luke Kennard with 12 points, including three three-pointers, and Jake LaRavia, who added 11 points, 5 rebounds, four assists while shooting 4-of-4 from the field. 

Despite being short-handed, the Grizzlies have shown resilience. Notably absent from the lineup are several key players, including Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Zach Edey, GG Jackson II, Vince Williams Jr., and John Konchar.

On the Horizon

The Grizzlies are set to face the Chicago Bulls on the road this Saturday, November 23rd. Following that, they’ll head back to Memphis for a four-game homestand, which tips off on Monday, November 26, against the Portland Trail Blazers, and continues with matchups against the Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Pelicans and Indiana Pacers.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Topple Nuggets

Jaren Jackson Jr. at the free-throw line in a game against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, November 17, 2024 (Photo by: Sharon Brown)

Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to shine for the Memphis Grizzlies, leading the team in scoring for the fifth consecutive game with 20 points, and adding six rebounds and three blocks to help secure an impressive 105-90 win over the Denver Nuggets, Sunday. Jackson Jr. finished the game with a plus-minus of +15. 

The performance was the latest in a streak of impressive games, including 32 points against the Golden State Warriors on November 15, and 29 points against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 13. Jackson also had a standout game against the Washington Wizards on November 8, scoring 39 points.

Rookie Jaylen Wells added 15 points and Desmond Bane recorded his fifth career double-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. It was the Grizzlies’ fourth straight home victory, putting them at 5-2 on the season at FedExForum.

A pivotal 14-1 surge in the second quarter transformed a narrow Memphis lead into a double-digit advantage, with the Grizzlies outscoring Denver 27-18 in the quarter. 

The Grizzlies achieved their sixth 30-assist game this season with 31 against the Nuggets. Ranked third in league assists per game, Memphis converted 31 of its 41 field goals from assists, and showcased balanced playmaking, with five players recording at least four assists.

Denver, the league’s second-ranked team in assists, was held to a season-low-tying 23 assists. The Nuggets were without MVP Nikola Jokic for the second straight game due to personal reasons. 

What They Said

What Vince Williams Jr. had to say after the game: 

On returning to play since injury:

“It’s decent right now. I can’t really say I’m in; can’t really say I’m out, but I’m just trying to figure it out and take things day by day. I’m working with training staff, trying to see what’s going on with my body. … I’m having fun being out there on the court again.”

On his perspective of not starting: 

“Injuries happen, so I’m just trying to battle that right now. And then, it’s just about my team winning, so I’ll do whatever to help my team win.”

On passing the ball:

“I like to give my teammates the ball. I feel like they knock down shots for me. I kind of know where they want the ball at certain times. I missed Santi [Aldama] twice today, so I’ll make it up to him.”

Update on Ja Morant 

During pregame availability, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said Morant was still week to week due to right hip (subluxation and pelvic muscle strains). He said the 25-year-old will have imaging done soon.

However on X (formerly known as Twitter), Morant provided an update on his own. 

Up Next

The Grizzlies will take on the Nuggets again at FedExForum on Tuesday, November 19, at 7 p.m. CT, in their second Emirates NBA Cup Group Play matchup.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Lakers Edge Grizzlies in Thrilling Matchup

Jaren Jackson Jr. goes up for a layup in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. (Photo by: Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Two Western Conference rivals delivered an electrifying performance Wednesday night, with the Lakers narrowly defeating the Grizzlies 128-123, capping off their second exciting matchup this season. After allowing L.A. to score nearly 40 points in the first quarter, Memphis rallied to pull within one point at halftime. The game see-sawed through the second half, but All-Stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined to hold off a late Memphis charge.

In the loss, Memphis show-cased impressive depth and balanced scoring, with seven players — including four reserves — reaching double-digits.

The Lakers achieved a season-best 20 three-pointers, but were outpaced by the Grizzlies, 58-36, in points scored in the paint.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way for Memphis with 29 points and seven rebounds. Despite the team’s injury-plagued start to the 2024-25 season, Jackson Jr. has been a consistent bright spot, scoring in double digits in every game he’s played. Through 10 appearances, he is averaging 22.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. 

After the game Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins shared his thoughts about the team’s performance, “Yeah, great fight by the guys. [We] dug ourselves a pretty big hole. [We] can’t give up 40 points in the first quarter on the road. I thought we let them get a little too comfortable. Way too comfortable, honestly. In the first quarter, we were taking the ball to the net too much and there were fouls and then we couldn’t run.” 

“Luckily, we found our groove in the second and third quarters,” added Jenkins. “We made that run in the fourth quarter. It just was a battle until the end. [I’m] proud of the fight. We definitely had a learning opportunity here. We got to come up better in the first quarter on the road.”

Jenkins concluded, “We had a couple of breakdowns defensively. They had some great execution with some zooming action and backdoor play for LeBron [James]. I thought we had some pretty good looks from the offensive side that didn’t fall. But I give them credit. They executed pretty well the last five minutes.”

History Maker

LeBron James will go down as one of the best players who ever stepped on a basketball court. He continues to make history, and Wednesday night against Memphis was no exception, as James, at 39, became the oldest player in NBA history to record three consecutive triple-doubles, surpassing his own record, set five years ago. Against the Grizzlies, he racked up 35 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds. It marked James’ 40th career 30-point triple-double and his fourth triple-double this season, solidifying his position as one of the all-time NBA greats.

That’s What They Said

Before fouling out, Zach Edey finished with 12 points and eight rebounds off the bench. 

“He’s a big body. He’s 7’4,” said Davis, who defended Edey. “When you have a guy like that, it’s hard to score and rebound, especially on the rebounding. He made a couple shots over me. And then you go to Friday against another guy in Victor Wembanyama. These guys are extremely tall, so you definitely have to put your work in a little early trying to push him out.”

The Grizzlies’ Luke Kennard on Edey:  “He’s been doing a great job of continuing to run the floor, being aggressive, protecting the paint, and that’s big for us. One of our biggest defensive keys is protecting the paint with everything that we’ve got. So having him down there, just being that presence; it really defers a lot of guys going to the rim. It’s stuff that really doesn’t show up on stat sheets. But I know personally, if I drive and I see a dude like that in there, it makes me want to pass the ball. But he’s been doing a great job. I feel like he’s picking stuff up really fast. We’re only … 11 games in now, or 12? He’s done a great job and [I’m] proud of him, how he’s really handled things.”

Who Got Next

The Grizzlies are set to face off against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on Friday at 9 p.m. CT, for NBA Cup Group Play. The matchup marks their first meeting of the season. The Warriors, with a 9-2 record, are looking strong. The Grizzlies stand at 7-5. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Jackson Jr.’s Dominant Display Downs Wizards

Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on November 8, 2024. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

Jaren Jackson Jr. scored a season-high 39 points on 14-for-28 shooting, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a convincing 128-104 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night.

The Michigan State alum is having a phenomenal season, boasting averages of 22 points per game, 56% shooting from the field, 40% from three-point range, and a 65% true-shooting percentage.

Last season, team injuries thrust Jackson Jr. into the spotlight, sparking a remarkable growth that prepared him for this season.

“I think last year and this summer for sure,” Jackson Jr. said, on what prepared him for his performance to help the Grizzlies improve to 6-4 on the season. “Being able to read defenses better — make better decisions for the ball with higher usage, and figuring out what defenses are doing against you and kind of making the adjustment.”

“Like Tuomas (Iisalo, Grizzlies assistant coach) says, ‘Whatever the defense does, they’re wrong.’ It just means that adjustment.”

The 25-year-old says his versatility on the court comes from understanding matchups and starting strategies, but also from being adaptable. He avoids relying solely on three-pointers early on and capitalizes on open shots from his team’s offense. He Friday night, he showed his ability to read defenses and make lightning-fast decisions based on defenders’ movements, positioning, and help-side rotations.

And he really wanted that 40 piece, but the game was already out of hand.  

“For sure I definitely wanted to get it (40 points) the right way. If it ain’t meant (to be), it ain’t meant (to be).  (I) didn’t do enough. I missed a free throw. So there you go.” His career-high is 44 points. 

“Heck of a game from Trip [Jaren Jackson Jr.],” said Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins on Jackson Jr. “Obviously, just the opportunity to be a primary playmaker, diversify his game, there were a couple pick-and-rolls stuck in there by his teammates, but just playing on the perimeter, playing out of the post, just getting that gravitational pull and still being able to finish.”

“Obviously, it was motivating going into the season, because he had had a career year on the offensive side,” Jenkins continued. “So regardless of what our lineups are, I want him to still carry that mentality of being a primary attack guy for us.”

Jenkins concluded: “And, that’s on me to make sure that he’s feeling involved and just playing within our pace and our principles. It’s great to see him have that opportunity tonight and take full advantage of it.”

Scotty Pippen Jr. made history on Friday by earning his first career triple-double, with 11 points (4-8 FG, 3-4 FT), a career-high 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. This milestone places him alongside his father, Scottie Pippen, as the first father-son duo in NBA history to record triple-doubles during their careers.

Pippen Jr. didn’t even know he had made history.  “No, I’ve never even heard of that. I would just say crazy,” he said. “I don’t know if I have any words to describe how that feels. Just making history will always be a great thing, but to be the father-son duo to do it is definitely a great thing.”

The 23-year-old wasn’t aware he was close to a triple-double until his injured teammate Ja Morant alerted him. He said, “Ja [Morant] had said something to me — he said I was two away. I don’t know if he meant rebounds, assists or what it was. I was trying to feed Jaren [Jackson Jr.] to get the last two assists, and he started missing. I knew I was going to be coming out of the game soon because he was up, so I was just trying to get my teammates together.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. was happy with Pippen Jr.’s history-making performance.

Grizzlies rookie Yuki Kawamura showed why he’s a fan favorite. When games get out of hand, the crowd in the FedExForum always chants, “We want Yuki.” When he entered the game, they were in for a treat. 

The crowd went absolutely nuts when Kawamura got his first bucket.

Kawamura breathed a sigh of relief after sinking his first 3-pointer, yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had more to offer

“I was feeling so great,” he said about his first bucket. “But, I’m not satisfied yet. I could have done more, better.”

Up Next

The Grizzlies kick off a three-game West Coast road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, November 10, with an 8 p.m. tipoff.


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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies’ Win Streak Halted in Brooklyn

Zach Edey goes up for a hook shot on November 4, 2024 in a game against the Brooklyn Nets (Photo by: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies’ Monday night matchup didn’t go as planned, ending in a 106-104 defeat to the Brooklyn Nets, who secured a two-game sweep of the season-series.

The Grizzlies dominated inside, outscoring Brooklyn 66-48 in the paint, but the Nets countered with a strong outside game, hitting 13 three-pointers to Memphis’ eight.

Zach Edey had a stellar performance, scoring 25 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and blocking four shots. He made history as the first rookie since Hakeem Olajuwon (1984) to achieve 25+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 4+ blocks on 90% shooting. 

Additionally, Edey became the first Memphis rookie since Marc Gasol (2009) to record consecutive double-doubles in points and rebounds.

Ja Morant added 25 points, nine assists and five rebounds as Memphis dropped to 4-4 on the season. 

Again, Morant showcased his thrilling skills, delivering Ja-dropping plays that quickly spread across social media, solidifying his reputation as the NBA’s most electrifying player.

NBA Communications announced on X (formerly Twitter), “Ja Morant’s two acrobatic layups from last night’s Grizzlies-Nets game have generated 161M video views (and counting) across NBA social media. Each play stands out as the most-viewed video on NBA platforms this season.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. struggled from the field at times but made plays on both sides of the ball late that put Memphis in a position to possibly win the game. 

He ended up with 15 points off of 5-of-11 from the field, including 3-5 from beyond the arc, while adding five rebounds and two blocked shots. 

Memphis will welcome the Los Angeles Lakers to FedExForum on Wednesday, November 6, at 7 p.m. CT, kicking off a two-game homestand.