Grizzlies’ 3-point shooting, defense fuel win over Nets
Once Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr. went down with injuries, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said his team needed to let it fly even more on 3-pointers.
It seemed like a risk, considering the Grizzlies lacked any consistent shooting threat beside Dillon Brooks. But after their 118-79 win over the Nets Wednesday, the Grizzlies are becoming the longrange threat Jenkins desired.
Josh Jackson made four 3-pointers for the second consecutive game — the first time he’s done that in his career.
Tyus Jones set a career-high with five 3pointers and the Grizzlies (31-31) tied a season-high with 20 3-pointers.
After shooting 43.8% from long range against the Hawks Monday, the Grizzlies shot 45.5% against the Nets. Yet just as impressive has been their commitment on the defensive end.
They became the first team since the Jazz in 2018 to hold three consecutive opponents under 90 points. Jackson helped the cause with two steals while Gorgui Dieng had two blocks.
Clarke’s injury was supposed to weaken the bench but instead, they’ve played inspired during this three-game winning streak. Dieng has been the rebounder and rim protector as advertised. Jones continues to be one of the league’s best backup point guards. Even John Konchar has played well since his second quarter spark against the Lakers. As for Jackson? His energy on both sides of the ball continues his resurgence that started in the G-league. He wasn’t known as a great shooter in his first two seasons with the Suns, but he’s found his confidence with the Grizzlies. If he turns into a decent shooter, it only helps strengthen the second unit when Clarke returns.
“I’m feeling pretty d--- good right now,” Jackson told Fox Sports after the game.
He could’ve been speaking for the Grizzlies, too. It was just a week ago they were in a five-game losing streak and had fans worried they may fall out of the playoff race.
But after becoming the eighth team in NBA history to win consecutive games by at least 39 points — and only the second to do so in consecutive road games — the worries have stopped.
The Grizzlies will hope to get Jaren Jackson Jr. back soon after he is re-evaluated this week. And while they’ve missed his outside shooting and defense, they’ve picked up the slack in both areas to ensure they won’t miss a beat when he and Clarke return.
You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_b) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com