Category: Beyond the Arc

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Get Outworked by Clippers

Desmond Bane handles the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers. (Credit: NBAE/Getty Images.)

The Memphis Grizzlies took on the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night and came away with a 128-114 loss. It was Memphis’ second game in two nights, and they were without Ja Morant.

As has been the case with many games this season, turnovers and points scored off those turnovers proved to be a thorn in the Grizzlies’ side. Couple that with an off night offensively for Jaren Jackson Jr., and Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard having his second-highest-scoring game of the season, and this was the outcome.

It was a somewhat surprising outcome, given that Leonard has played just 15 games this season, and until last game, the Grizzlies were 7-1 in games with no rest this season.

Two-time all-star Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a dominant force on offense for Memphis, but foul trouble hindered his momentum Wednesday. Desmond Bane took on the role of leading scorer with a team-high 23 points, but sloppy ball handling and turnovers kept the game out of reach.

The Grizzlies held the lead briefly in the first quarter and for about half of the second quarter, but once the Clippers overtook them in the first half, they held onto their lead for the remainder of the game.

Turnovers. We need to talk about them. Memphis gave up 41 points off 22 turnovers. In contrast, Los Angeles only gave up 20 points off their 17 turnovers. Giving up that many points dug the Grizzlies into a hole they couldn’t claw their way out of.

Free throw shooting by the Grizzlies was also abysmal – 8 of 15 or 53.3%, with the Clippers shooting 21 of 22 or 95.5% from the charity stripe. Free throws were probably less of a factor in this match than the aforementioned turnovers, but they certainly didn’t help.

This Grizzlies team hasn’t figured out how to solve a problem like the Clippers or the Thunder, for that matter. But there is a chance that Memphis will face the Clippers in the first round, and based on their first two meetings this season, that could spell disaster for any hope of a deep playoff run.

By The Numbers:

Desmond Bane led the team in scoring with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists on 8 of 17 overall shooting and 6 of 11 from beyond the arc.

Jaylen Wells finished the night with 18 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals while shooting 7 of 11 overall and 3 of 7 from three-point range.

Jaren Jackson Jr. closed out with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks on 5 of 12 overall shooting.

Luke Kennard was moved into the starting lineup and finished with 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals on 5 of 10 overall shooting and 2 of 3 from beyond the arc.

GG Jackson led the bench unit with 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal while shooting 6 of 11 overall and 2 of 4 from three-point range.

Santi Aldama added 14 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 block on 5 of 10 overall shooting and 4 of 6 from beyond the arc.

Who Got Next?

The Grizzlies will return after the All-Star break on February 20th when they take on the Indiana Pacers. Tip-off will be at 6 PM CST.

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Grizzlies Close Out Raptors With Authority

Memphis Grizzlies players huddle up in a game against the Toronto Raptors on February 5, 2025. (Photo: Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies overcame a lackluster first half, trailing 59-53, with an explosive second-half performance, scoring a season-high 85 points, to dominate the Toronto Raptors, 138-107. The win extends their impressive run of 10 victories in their last 11 games and a current four-game winning streak.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the charge for the Grizzlies with 32 points on 62.5 percent shooting, complemented by five rebounds and four assists. This performance marked his third consecutive game with 30-plus points and his ninth straight game with 20-plus points, both career highs.

Ja Morant delivered a strong performance, scoring 26 points on 64.3 percent shooting, while grabbing five rebounds and dishing out four assists. He also exploded for 16 points in the third quarter, matching his season-high for points in a single quarter.

Morant and Jackson Jr. have now both scored 25-plus points in back-to-back games, highlighting their impressive offensive chemistry.

In his hometown NBA debut, Toronto native Zach Edey made history, logging a career-best third-consecutive double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds. Edey became the first Memphis Grizzlies rookie since Pau Gasol in 2002 to record three straight double-doubles, with Gasol having achieved four consecutive double-doubles that March and April.

GG Jackson II had an impressive outing as a reserve with 17 points and six rebounds as the Grizzlies improved to 35-16 on the season. 

Completing the team’s solid performance, Brandon Clarke scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds, with Scotty Pippen Jr. adding 12 points and five rebounds.

The Grizzlies received a boost, as their injury list shrunk, with the return of Marcus Smart and Vince Williams Jr., both of whom had been sidelined.

The Grizzlies are gearing up to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder at FedExForum on Saturday, February 8th, at 7 p.m. CT. The highly anticipated matchup pits the top two teams in the Western Conference against each other.

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Grizzlies Obliterate Spurs

Ja Morant dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs. (Credit: Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images.)

Monday night, the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the San Antonio Spurs and came away with a resounding 128-109 victory and moved up to second place in the Western Conference standings.

It was the second night of back-to-back games for Memphis, and Ja Morant returned to the lineup after missing Sunday’s matchup with the Bucks due to shoulder soreness.

Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke were sidelined with a left ankle strain and back soreness, respectively. But the Grizzlies are no stranger to adapting on the fly when a player is injured, having fostered a next-man-up mentality amongst the players.

The first quarter was a bit of a slog, but Memphis converted six San Antonio turnovers into 12 points in the period and carried that momentum and a six-point lead into the second quarter.

The Spurs had no answer for the Grizzlies when they went on a 19-point run in the second quarter, their biggest of the season. Memphis led by 12 points at halftime, and San Antonio never got within single digits the rest of the game.

And let’s not forget to give the Grizzlies their flowers for winning the turnover battle: Memphis converted 23 San Antonio turnovers into 34 points while holding the Spurs to just 8 points off their own 15 turnovers. This feels significant, given the struggles with turnovers that have plagued the Grizzlies all season.

By The Numbers:

Jaren Jackson Jr. led all scorers with 31 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks.

Ja Morant notched 25 points, 3 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 steals in his return to action. Morant scored 14 of his 25 points in the first quarter.

Zach Edey finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 1 block. This marks Edey’s seventh career double-double and his second in two games after Sunday night’s 14 points and 11 rebounds against the Bucks.

GG Jackson led the second unit with a season-high 27 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 steals on 11 of 20 overall shooting and 4 of 9 from beyond the arc.

Scotty Pippen Jr. added 11 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.

Who Got Next?

The Grizzlies are heading to Toronto on Wednesday night to take on the Raptors. Tip-off is at 6:30 PM CST.

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Memphis Keeps Rolling; Beat Bucks for Seventh Straight Time

Jaren Jackson Jr. goes up for a shot against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 2, 2025 (Photo: Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies moved to 33-16 with a 132-119 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Sunday, securing their seventh win in eight games and a 2-0 season series sweep.

Memphis dominated the boards, outrebounding Milwaukee 61-36, with a 22-8 edge in offensive rebounds. The Grizzlies also held a significant advantage in the paint, outscoring the Bucks 66-36.

Memphis seized control of the game in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Bucks 39-20. During this decisive period, the Grizzlies made 15 of their 27 shot attempts.

All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Memphis Grizzlies with 37 points, including 16 in the final period. This performance showcased his ability as one of the league’s top fourth-quarter scorers, where he ranks ninth with an average of seven points per game.

Jackson Jr. had a solid shooting performance, making 12 of his 26 field goal attempts and seven of his 13 three-pointers.

In the absence of star guard Ja Morant due to injury, the Grizzlies received significant contributions from others as Santi Aldama scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds off the bench. Desmond Bane also had a strong outing, posting 22 points and nine rebounds while shooting 9-15 from the field.

Zach Edey nabbed his sixth career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds in 18 minutes of play. Off the bench Scotty Pippen Jr. had nine points, 10 assists — eight of which came in the final frame

Although GG Jackson II didn’t have a good shooting night, he did have a highlight block against Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

Jackson II chipped in five points and eight rebounds. 

The  Grizzlies are back at FedExForum tonight, February 3rd, to take on the San Antonio Spurs at 7 p.m. CT. Memphis has a 2-0 edge in the season series. 

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All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. Leads Fourth Quarter Surge to Edge Out Rockets

Desmond Bane shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets. (Photo: Joe Murphy/NBAE for Getty Images)

Thursday night, two of the top Western Conference teams, the two-seed Houston Rockets and three-seed Memphis Grizzlies faced off in their final meeting of the season. Thanks to a fourth-quarter burst from newly named all-star Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies eked out a 120-119 victory over the Rockets.

Houston has been a problem for Memphis this season; that much is clear. Rivals in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference, they meet four times a season, and until last night’s matchup, the Rockets appeared poised to sweep the season series. This win has pulled Memphis within a half-game of Houston for the second seed.

These two teams met three times in the month of January, with the Rockets winning the first two games and now the Grizzlies snatching a victory from the jaws of defeat in the third.

This game came down to the final possession, with Memphis ultimately securing the win thanks to a pair of clutch free throws from Jaren Jackson Jr. in the final seconds of the game.

Giving credit where it’s due, the Rockets dominated most of the game, leading by as many as 11 points. All five starters for Houston finished the game in double figures.

Former Grizzly Dillon Brooks had his highest scoring game of the series with 22 points, and shooting guard Jalen Green led all scorers with 25 points.

After struggling offensively in the first half and trailing by ten at halftime, the Grizzlies outscored the Rockets 64-53 in the final two quarters.

Point guard Ja Morant was sidelined with shoulder soreness, and Luke Kennard took his place in the starting lineup. Kennard has seen more minutes in the backup point guard role lately, in part due to the ongoing struggles of Scotty Pippen Jr., who finished the game with just four points.

Four of the Grizzlies’ starting five notched double figures — led by Desmond Bane’s 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. Bane played a season-high 40 minutes.

Luke Kennard added 22 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 2 steals on 9 of 17 overall shooting and 3 of 6 from beyond the arc. Kennard leads the NBA in three-point shooting, averaging 49.1% from three.

Jaren Jackson Jr. added 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal. Nine of his 21 points came during the final quarter, including making a pair of free throws that gave Memphis the lead.

Shortly before tip-off, Jackson Jr. was announced as one of the Western Conference All-Star reserves, his second all-star appearance.

Jaylen Wells finished the night with 11 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.

From the second unit:

Santi Aldama led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds, one assist, and two blocks on six of 13 overall shooting and three of 8 from beyond the arc.

Brandon Clarke put up 13 points, five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks on six of seven overall shooting.

Who Got Next?

The Grizzlies are hitting the road for one game to take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, February 2nd. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. CST.

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Grizzlies Get Crushed by Knicks

Jaren Jackson Jr. handles the ball in a game against the New York Knicks on January 27, 2024 at Madison Square Garden. (Photo by: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies struggled mightily against the New York Knicks on Monday night at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks ended the Grizzlies’ six-game winning streak with a dominant 143-106 victory. 

The Grizzlies’ ball-control issues led to a season-high 26 turnovers, including 20 steals from the Knicks, which they capitalized on, scoring 36 points off turnovers.

New York also dominated Memphis in fast break points, outscoring them 31-9. The Knicks put up 83 points in the second half.  

Following the game, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins offered his assessment of the team’s performance. He said, “We didn’t have it for 48 minutes. Give the Knicks a lot of credit — they played great tonight. (I) thought their physicality was great. We had so many uncharacteristic moments in the game — defensively and offensively — definitely not our best tonight.”

Jenkins continued: “We were just out of sync from the very get-go. I mean, I thought their physicality was good, just some of our decision making was tough. And, we struggled finishing. So overall, give them credit, they played a great physical brand of basketball that we struggled with all night.” 

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 21 points, shooting 8 of 14 from the field, and added four rebounds and two blocked shots.

Prior to the game, Jackson Jr. earned his first-ever NBA Western Conference Player of the Week award. He guided the Grizzlies to a perfect 4-0 record, averaging 25.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.  The All-Star candidate’s stellar week was highlighted by his excellent shooting, with a field goal percentage of 57.6%, a three-point percentage of 38.1%, and a free throw percentage of 82.6%.

Desmond Bane contributed 16 points and 4 assists, but struggled with ball control, committing a team-high 6 turnovers.

Ja Morant scored 10 points on 5-13 shooting with two assists in 27 minutes, a departure from what we are used to seeing from the superstar guard.

Zach Edey had a strong outing, tallying 9 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks, just shy of a double-double. 

The Grizzlies are gearing up for a showdown with the Houston Rockets at FedExForum this Thursday, January 30th, at 8:30 p.m. CT. You can catch the action live on TNT. The matchup promises to be an exciting one, as both teams are vying for the second spot in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies are currently 31-16, while the Rockets stand at 31-14.

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Grizzlies Pound Jazz To Win Sixth Straight Game

Jaren Jackson Jr. shoots against the Utah Jazz. (Credit: Joe Murphy/NBAE for Getty Images.)

The Grizzlies closed out their four-game homestand Saturday night with a decisive 125-103 victory over the Utah Jazz. Memphis swept the homestand and has now won six games in a row.

Any win is by definition a good win, but this one holds significance with all five starters in double figures and GG Jackson scoring his season-high off the bench.

The Grizzlies got off to a good start, taking a solid 65-57 lead into the second half. But it was the third quarter where Memphis really took over and asserted its dominance. They went on a 24-7 run and outscored the Jazz 36-17 in the period.

Some poor officiating in the second quarter benefited the Grizzlies, when Utah forward Drew Eubanks was ejected on a flagrant penalty two foul that looked much closer to a flagrant one. (A flagrant penalty one foul is unnecessary contact committed by a player against an opponent; a flagrant penalty two foul is contact that is unnecessary and excessive.)

Utah outscored Memphis 29-24 in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Grizzlies’ sizeable lead, propelled by big performances from the starting five.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the team in scoring with 28 points, and added 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block while shooting 10 of 14 overall and 2 of 4 from three-point range.

Zach Edey put up 19 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 4 blocks on 5 of 8 overall shooting and 2 of 3 from beyond the arc.

Desmond Bane added 17 points, a team-high 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal while shooting 7 of 11 overall and 2 of 3 from beyond the arc.

Jaylen Wells finished with 16 points and 4 rebounds on 5 of 8 overall shooting and 2 of 4 from three-point range.

Ja Morant closed out with 11 points, 1 rebound, 7 assists, and 1 steal on 4 of 9 overall shooting.

Ja Morant doing Ja Morant things

From the bench, GG Jackson scored a season-high 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Jackson made his season debut on January 20th after recovering from surgery in September to repair a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot.

Who Got Next?

The Grizzlies are heading to the World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden, to take on the New York Knicks on Monday night. Tip-off is at 6:30 PM CST.

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Third Quarter Surge Powers Grizzlies to Fifth Straight Win

Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey tap hands during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, January 24, 2025. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

On Friday night at FedExForum, the Memphis Grizzlies secured their fifth consecutive win, defeating New Orleans, 139-126, and halting the Pelicans’ four-game winning streak in the process.

Memphis improved to 30-15 on the season and 18-5 at FedExForum.  

The Pelicans ended the first half on a high note, going on a 15-2 run to take a 71-62 lead into the break. However, Memphis had other plans in the third period. 

The Grizzlies came out scorching in the second half, making their first 14 shots and erupting for 43 points in the third quarter on 17-of-22 shooting. They also dished out a season-best 13 assists in the quarter.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 29 points, highlighted by a 15-point outburst in the third quarter. He shot with precision, making 10 of 16 field goals and 5 of 9 three-point attempts and dished out a career-high-tying seven assists. 

Jackson Jr. said he believes the Grizzlies’ three-point shooting “opens it all up” and forces defenses to adjust. He praised teammates Luke Kennard, Jaylen Wells, and Desmond Bane for making smart passes, and also commended Wells for his consistent shooting.

Jackson Jr. credits the Grizzlies’ improved team flow for making Bane’s shots easier and more open. He also praised Kennard’s consistent shooting, noting that when Bane and Kennard are making shots, others contribute with good shooting nights.

Jackson Jr. said effective communication is essential to the Grizzlies’ defense, enabling players to stay alert and make informed decisions. He noted that the team is addressing defensive struggles by communicating loudly and attributed many of these issues to a lack of awareness, rather than a lack of effort.

Kennard had a standout performance, scoring 27 points and dishing out six assists. He shot impressively, converting 10 of 14 field goals and 7 of 9 three-pointers. Notably, Kennard has been on a hot streak from beyond the arc, making 14 of his last 20 three-point attempts over the past two games.

Following the game, the Duke alum shared his thoughts on his recent surge: “When you have the ball in your hands, you have to be even more focused trying to make the right play, being aggressive. And for me, I think Coach (Taylor Jenkins) knows if I have the ball in my hands, especially early in the game, (it) gets me going a little bit — gets me into a rhythm. So credit to Coach for just trusting me in that aspect, getting me going early and getting me involved in the game.”

Kennard recognized Ja Morant and Bane as the team’s primary ball handlers, and said that his focus is on being aggressive without the ball and making smart, aggressive decisions when he does get the opportunity to handle it.

Bane had another phenomenal game, tying his season high with 14 assists and adding 20 points. The performance marked his seventh consecutive game with 20+ points and his fourth double-double of the season. Bane’s consistent scoring and ability to facilitate for his teammates have been key factors in the Grizzlies’ success.

Bane pointed out that the Grizzlies’ newfound proficiency from beyond the arc has made opponents think twice about leaving players like Jaren Jackson Jr., Morant, or himself unguarded: “This creates opportunities for easy scores or open shots when defenses provide help.”

Rookie Zach Edey delivered a notable performance, securing his fifth career double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. His well-rounded effort also included three assists, one steal, and two blocks.

The Grizzlies are aiming to extend their winning streak to six games Saturday night, as they host the Utah Jazz at FedExForum, with tipoff at 7pm CT.

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Déjà Vu: Grizzlies Beat Wolves in Familiar Fashion

Jaren Jackson Jr. goes up for a shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, January 20, 2025 during the 23rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Game. (Photo by: Grant Burke/NBAE via Getty Images)

Déjà vu struck as the Memphis Grizzlies overcame a late deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-106 at FedExForum during the 23rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Game on Monday. 

It was the Grizzlies’ second comeback win over Minnesota in under two weeks in almost the same eerie fashion. The Timberwolves built a sizable lead, topping out at 16 points in the first half, and held a 95-86 edge midway through the fourth quarter. 

However, the Grizzlies rallied with a decisive 11-0 run, taking a 106-100 lead with 2:20 remaining, and withstanding a last-ditch three-point effort to win. The comeback win improved Memphis’ home record to 16-5. The Grizzlies outscored Minnesota 37-30 in the final period. 

Following the game, Grizzlies head coach Jenkins offered his assessment: “We finally got our legs, mind, or whatever it was. The last couple of games have been a tale of two halves. Both teams were struggling in the first quarter. It was a low-scoring affair. We found our groove in the third quarter.”

The Three-headed Monster

Jaren Jackson Jr. picked up three fouls in the first half that limited his first half minutes. He was one of the first players out of the locker room at halftime getting up shots. 

The 25-year-old big man notched his fourth double-double of the season, leading the team with 24 points and 11 rebounds. He caught fire in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points to match his season high for points in the final period. Jackson Jr. made a significant impact on the game’s outcome, finishing with a +24 in 32 minutes.

After the game, Jackson Jr. reflected on the different closers the team has relied on as of late, saying, “I feel like with us being in control or having a ball or being spots we want … when we’re in those situations, I like all of our options.” 

It is usually call 12, but on Monday they dialed 13 and 22 (Desmond Bane).

Jackson Jr. said he’s on the same network as Ja Morant. He credited his clutch fourth-quarter performance to finding his shooting rhythm, saying the shots felt great. It was a notable turnaround from a tough start to the game.

The Michigan State alum said that late-game situations are what the NBA is all about, especially at this point in the season. He noted that many teams tire and lose focus, but the Grizzlies were aware of this and made a conscious effort to bring extra energy to mount a comeback, as Memphis improved to 28-15 on the season.

The former Defensive Player of the Year has been one of the best isolation players in the league this season. He said he spent the summer working on iso situations, training with live defenders instead of cones or pads. He believes this approach helps him better understand how defenders will react to his moves.

Jackson Jr. is solidifying his position as one of the Western Conference’s most reliable big men. Since the start of January, Jackson Jr. has consistently delivered impressive numbers, averaging 24.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game.

According to the Grizzlies, the All-Star candidate ranks 10th in the NBA in Estimated Plus-Minus (EPM) and is one of four NBA players (min. 30 games played) to rank in the 92nd percentile or higher in both Offensive EPM and Defensive EPM (along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Domantas Sabonis, Victor Wembanyama).

Desmond Bane continued his hot streak, scoring 22 points to go along with six rebounds and five assists, marking his fifth straight game with 20+ points. He has averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game in that span.

Morant contributed 19 points and dished out seven assists. He attributed the win to improved defense in the second half, which sparked their momentum. He also credited Jackson Jr. and Bane for closing out the game strong.

Morant believes Jackson Jr. is a clear-cut All-Star, stating “there’s no question” about his deserving the honor. Morant thinks Jackson’s consistent performance at an “All-NBA level” warrants recognition, particularly given his durability and nightly contributions on both ends of the court.

Tidbits 

GG Jackson made his NBA season debut after foot surgery, contributing four points on 2-of-5 shooting, and one rebound, in 11 minutes of playtime. 

Jackson, selected 45th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, had a notable rookie season. He averaged 14.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 25.7 minutes per game, while shooting 42.8% from the field, 35.7% from 3-point range, and 75.2% from the free throw line. Jackson achieved these impressive stats as the youngest player in the league.

Up Next 

The Grizzlies are gearing up to host the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum on Wednesday, January 22, at 7 p.m. CT. The matchup marks the second game of Memphis’ four-game home stand. Both teams are currently on a three-game winning streak. 

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Grizzlies Dominate Second Half To Shut Down Spurs — Again!

Santi Aldama dunks the ball in the win against San Antonio. (Credit: NBAE/Getty Images.)

The Memphis Grizzlies closed out their four-game road trip with a massive 140-112 win over the San Antonio Spurs and head home with a 3-1 record for the stretch.

Ja Morant was sidelined for this matchup with a sore foot, but that proved to be no problem at all for this Grizzlies team. Head coach Taylor Jenkins opted to move Luke Kennard into the starting lineup in Morant’s place, over Scotty Pippen Jr., a move which ultimately paid off for Memphis. Pippen Jr. has struggled offensively lately, averaging just 3.8 points over the past five games.

This was a bona-fide drag them into the mud and beat them there win for Memphis. After a rocky first half that had them trailing by one at the break, the Grizzlies found their offensive groove in the third quarter, outscoring San Antonio 40-22 in the period.

Once the Grizzlies took the lead in the third, the Spurs could not recover. Memphis closed the quarter with an 18-2 run.

The fourth quarter basically saw the Grizzlies running up the score, leading by as many as 31 points in the period.

There are many positive things to take away from this win: a career-scoring night from Santi Aldama, who had 29 points;, Luke Kennard thriving in the starting lineup, and improved ball-handling and offensive efficiency, and single-digit turnovers. For a team that has been plagued by turnovers all season long, that last one is a big deal.

By The Numbers:

Santi Aldama led all scorers with his career-high 29 points, adding 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal on 10 of 19 overall shooting and 5 of 12 from beyond the arc.

Desmond Bane closed out with 22 points, 6 rebounds, 14 assists, and 3 steals.

Jaylen Wells added another 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists on 8 of 11 overall shooting and 6 of 8 from three-point range.

Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 19 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Kennard put up 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. Brandon Clarke added 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.

Who Got Next?

The Grizzlies return home Monday, January 20th, for their 23rd annual MLK Day game, facing off against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

This will be a nationally broadcast game; fans can watch it on TNT and FanDuel Sports Network. Tip-off is at 1:30 PM CST.