The Memphis Grizzlies extended their winning streak to five games with a 114-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons at FedExForum on a foggy Friday night in the Bluff City. The Grizzlies are now 11-2 at home and have a 17-9 overall record.
Jaren Jackson, Jr. had 20 points to lead the Grizzlies and also added five boards, four blocks, and two steals on 8-12 shooting from the field and 3 of 5 from deep.
The defensive specialist has recorded four or more blocks in half of his 10 appearances this year. Jackson is averaging 3.2 blocks per game on the season. The 23-year-old also reached 400 career blocks.
Even though Jackson is playing great on both ends of the floor early in the season, he said, hopefully, it’s not his best, so the team can continue improving.
Jackson has been taking advantage of mismatches, scoring inside, and getting to the foul line more this season. “I’m definitely using my size better and working on getting extra dribbles, not just lunging out there — and getting to the free throw line more,” said Jackson. “I’m emphasizing all that stuff.”
He attributes his increased rate of blocks to his availability on the court. “I’m staying on the floor,” he explained. “I’m able to be out there longer. When you’re out there longer, you can do more things. I’m just staying on the floor better.”
Taylor Jenkins had plenty to say about the improvements he wanted for Jackson after last season. “Obviously, he didn’t have the benefit of being able to work much this offseason, but just continue to challenge him, to build off of what you’ve done the summer before,” Jenkins said. “Defensive activity, versatility, obviously he’s so gifted with what he can do to protect the rim. Continue to challenge him to rebound — four defensive rebounds tonight.”
Jenkins continued: “Offensively, continue to be a playmaker and challenge him to continue to move the ball. A lot of the offense runs through our guards, so trying to find those spots and just really do a good job, being a presence in the post, getting good finishes — a playmaker out there if they double team him, and teams are going to start switching more. We’ve got to be able to punish them with him on the inside.”
“Jaren [Jackson Jr.] helps with everybody; he makes everyone’s job easier when he’s back there protecting the rim,” said Tyus Jones after the win. “It definitely allows us to kind of pressure the ball a little bit more and have that confidence knowing that they really don’t even want to try to get all the way to the rim with him back there. He definitely makes our job easier.”
“Jaren is a huge part of our defense and our offense,” said big man Brandon Clarke. “Really, he is a great anchor for us [defensively]. He can do everything on the other end too, offensively. He can shoot it, he can finish in the post, and I feel like we all have really good chemistry with him too. So, it just makes playing these games much easier.”
Clarke finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists while going 7-of-8 from the floor.
Ja Morant secured his eighth double-double of the season with 15 points, 12 assists, six rebounds, and a game-high three steals.
Morant has recorded 10 or more assists in seven games this season.
Dillon Brooks added 16 points and four assists.
Up Next
The Grizzlies will look to extend the winning streak to six games on Monday night at FedExForum against the Atlanta Hawks. Tip-off: 7pm CT.
