Unlikely heroes emerged in FedExForum on a snowy and bitterly cold evening in Memphis. Vince Williams Jr. led the short-handed Grizzlies with a career-high 24 points on 6-of-11 shooting, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals as Memphis beat the Golden State Warriors, 116-107.
Williams Jr. has been a force to be reckoned with as of late. “Just me being more confident and coach believing in me a little bit more,” said the VCU alum on his improved play. “Some of the guys are out. So, obviously I had to step up and really just take advantage of my opportunity at the end of the day. Even GG [Jackson] is doing very well right now. Just staying ahead of the game and not really looking back.”
The 23-year-old defensive specialist is taking advantage of his opportunity to be on the court consistently. He said, “It means a lot. Being able to go out there and make mistakes and knowing that we’re going to learn from them while in the game – not having to look over our shoulders at the moment.”
In Monday night’s nationally televised MLK game, GG Jackson II also delivered a breakout performance with a career-best 23 points going 5-of-8 from the three-point line, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
“I guess I prayed a little bit more today,” said Jackson II on the difference in the last two games. “I watched some nice game film, studied where I was supposed to be on the floor, and I just got to capitalize on opportunities when the ball comes my way.”
“Just like Vince said, with multiple guys being out, I’ve had to step up as well,” Jackson II said about showcasing his offensive abilities. “And when you step up and play the amount of minutes that me and him both played, the ball is naturally going to find you on the court. But you know, you just got to remember those reps. Your body has to create a carbon copy every time you shoot the ball and every time you dribble. Just trying to lean on the things that you learned. We’ve just got to keep stacking up days like this. … We all dial in, listen to coach, listen to what he has to say — more opportunities open up.”
The two-piece combo did it on both ends of the floor. At 19, Jackson II became the only third player behind Lebron James and Kevin Durant in NBA history to have had back to back 20-point performances at his age or younger. And his response was: “Stay humble. Don’t get too caught up in that. … It’s obviously a great sentiment to be a part of. But these guys already made it and for me, I feel like their game was way more advanced at this age. I’m just lucky enough to have this opportunity to get out there and play.”
Along with Williams Jr. and Jackson II, Memphis had seven players in double figures. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals.
David Roddy 12 points and seven rebounds and two-way player Jacob Gilyard chipped in 11 points, eight of which came in the final period, three assists, and 2 steals.
Santi Aldama 11 points, six rebounds, and three blocks and Luke Kennard ended with 11 points, with eight in the fourth quarter, and 5 assists.
Tid-bits
Players with experience with the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League scored 87 of the Grizzlies’ 116 points.
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said after the game, “Big time win— and I’ve definitely got to shout-out a big win for the [Memphis] Hustle as well. I mean, this is a product of full-on development. So proud of our group.”
He added, “Vince Williams … unbelievable job defensively, playing with aggression on both sides of the floor, trying to make it tough on [Stephen] Curry as much as possible. Big growth for him.”
Jenkins continued, “GG Jackson, back-to-back games (with) multiple rebounds, but just the shot-making. Right spot on the floor for his teammates to find him, shooting with tons of confidence, offensive rebounding. [Jacob Gilyard] coming in. I thought he was great in the second half, not just knocking down shots, but you saw a number of steals and just his playmaking and setting up guys in transition coming off screens and connecting the dots for us.”
“This was a huge win for us overall. So, tons of credit to these guys,” said Jenkins. “I think GG [Jackson] may have shouted out the Hustle staff, I’ve got to shout them out as well. They’ve been pouring into these guys every opportunity they’ve gotten, to stay ready, and these guys have got to continue to take advantage of the opportunities with the Grizzlies when they’ve got them.”
Yes, a big night for the Memphis Hustle!!
The Grizzlies finished with 20 three-point baskets while the Warriors had just 10. Meanwhile, the Warriors outscored the Grizzlies 62-20 in the paint. Usually Golden State shots more threes and Memphis’ bread and butter is in the paint.
Strictly from the Fans
Tredarion Hampton: “This victory feels incredibly rewarding. Despite the adversity we faced with multiple injuries, Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson stepped up phenomenally, showcasing the depth and resilience of our team. It’s a testament to our collective effort and determination.”
Janice Frazier-Scott: “It’s good to see our G League players gain confidence playing and winning against the Warriors. We’ve got some future stars coming up!”
Up Next
The Grizzlies will embark on a four-game road trip beginning Thursday night in Minneapolis to take on the Timberwolves. Tip-off is at 9 pm CT on TNT.
