Ja Morant injured, Jaren Jackson Jr. shines
The Memphis Grizzlies were in firm control late in the fourth quarter of what was a breakout game for Jaren Jackson Jr. on Friday night at Fedexforum.
He was throwing down dunks, knocking down 3-pointers and causing havoc on defense. Jackson’s big night led the Grizzlies to a 121-110 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder that was marred by a late injury to star point guard Ja Morant.
Memphis (10-6) was led by doubledoubles from Jackson and Morant. Morant had 19 points and 11 assists, and Jackson scored a team-high 25 points and added 12 rebounds.
Five players scored in double figures for the Thunder (7-9), but none reached 20 points.
The Grizzlies win snapped a twogame losing streak.
Here are some takeaways from the game.
Ja Morant injured in the fourth quarter
Morant twisted his left ankle late in the fourth quarter and struggled to get off the floor with 3:09 remaining in the game.
Morant tried walking off on his own power, but he fell to the floor near half court as the Grizzlies’ medical staff assisted him to the locker room.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said Morant will undergo imaging on the ankle. Though Morant didn’t walk off the floor under his own power, teammate Brandon Clarke said he saw Morant walking in the locker room after the game.
Home sweet home for Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jackson started his first home game and second overall on Friday night. He was joined by Morant, John Konchar, Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams. Jackson got active earlier with a 3-pointer on offense and a block on the following defensive possession. He continued his aggressive performance into thee second quarter by throwing down two twohanded dunks in traffic. Not only was that aggression a sign that Jackson is rounding into form, but that power around the rim is not something that’s consistently been part of his game.
Thunder forward Aleksej Pokusevski was one his team’s bright spots in the first half. He had 10 points on 4-for-4 shooting that included two 3-pointers.
He left the game in the second quarter and did not return due to a left ankle sprain.
Jake Laravia checked in at the start of the second quarter after not being part of Tuesday’s rotation. David Roddy continues to get the more minutes between the two rookies.
An aggressive offensive approach
Jackson was among the players with an aggressive playing style on the night. Konchar is starting in place of an injured Desmond Bane. On Tuesday, he attempted three 3-pointers against the New Orleans Pelicans. Konchar had three made 3-pointers and four attempts in the first half alone Friday. Morant’s penetration was a big part in generating easier shots for Konchar. Morant struggled scoring inside on his floater, but he made up for it by getting his teammates involved.
Santi Aldama is settling into his new role with Jackson back. Aldama made three 3-pointers off the bench and led the second unit with 15 points and seven rebounds.
Containing Shai Gilgeous-alexander
Shai Gilgeous-alexander has been one of the NBA’S best scorers, with more than 30 points in five of his last six games, including 42 points Wednesday against the Washington Wizards.
Dillon Brooks drew the defensive assignment and made things tough on Alexander. Not only did he struggle shooting, but Memphis didn’t allow him to get a rhythm at the free-throw line. The Grizzlies snapped his streak of three consecutive games with at least 37 points.
What’s Next
The Grizzlies will play at the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. Brooklyn has been without Kyrie Irving (suspension), but he’s expected to make his return on Sunday versus Memphis.