Grizzlies defeated the Houston Rockets at FedExForum Wednesday night, 130-125, and clinched their second consecutive Southwest Division title. Memphis improved to 45-27 on the season and have a league-leading 31-5 home record.
The J&J Show
Jaren Jackson, Jr. put on a master-class on the offensive end with 37 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists while going 14-of-20 (70%) from the field plus two blocks and a steal.
The All-Star big man scored on his first 13 field goals inside the 3-point line and finished with 13-of-15 in the paint while tying his career-high in field goals made.
“I’m taking what the defense has given me, definitely a lot right now,” Jackson, Jr. said after his dominant performance. “Being assertive and trying to abuse mismatches and just taking it upon myself to be dominant and not take a possession off.”
He went on to say, “Really just try every time to get what I want and get to my spots. It’s all about spots, for real. I’m learning that more and more each game, it’s about spots because spots become more and more repetitive each game and trying to get to certain places on the floor where I can really be successful.”
“I definitely have the potential to be good,” Jackson, Jr. added. “I think just growing into the potential that I have is great; you got to just get there. Potentially I will.”
Ja Morant was back on the floor for the first time since his 8-game suspension. The All-Star point guard came off the bench for the first time in his career and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
“It meant a lot, man,” said Morant. “Obviously, I’m thankful and grateful for everybody who’s been supporting me during this time. It definitely helped me a lot, definitely made me feel a little better. Eased everything that was going on. Felt good to be back. Super excited. Glad we [were] able to get the win.”
As far as coming off the bench, it was essentially Morant’s idea. “I didn’t want to come back and mess any of that chemistry up,” the All-Star guard said. “Obviously, I was watching film once my time was getting closer to being back, watching how they was playing. Obviously, it’s different from watching and actually being out there. So getting back into the flow, getting back into the offense. Also getting back comfortable with everything. My mental is very important to me, and that was one of the reasons why.”
The 23-year-old said he had to calm his nerves before the game. “Before the game, I did some meditation to basically just ease the nerves, the emotions I was feeling coming back,” he said. “It was a lot, but it kind of helped me, and then once I got out there on the court, just seeing how the fans reacted to me being back definitely helped me a lot. Made me feel good inside, and I can’t put it into words. Thank you everybody.”
He also made clear he’s prioritizing his mental health. He emphasized his counseling will be an ongoing process.
Morant closed out the game with 17 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and a block. The Murray State alum says he got a second chance and I believe he’s going to make the best of it.
Up Next
The Grizzlies and Rockets will do it again on Friday, March 24th, for the final matchup of the season. Memphis looks to take the season series 4-0.
