Selden and Simmons Carry Memphis to Second Straight Victory

SACRAMENTO, CA - JULY 3: The Memphis Grizzlies huddle during the game against the Utah Jazz on July 3, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JULY 3: The Memphis Grizzlies huddle during the game against the Utah Jazz on July 3, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies led by as much as 25 points over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night in a thrilling victory in Utah.

Following Jaren Jackson Jr’s breakout game in game one on Monday, questions were raised about if he could carry it into game two. He played pretty well in Tuesday night’s victory over the Utah Jazz. Jackson sparked an early first quarter lead, and had eight points through the first two quarters, including two three-pointers.

Unfortunately for Jackson, in the second half, the Memphis Grizzlies’ offense never found him. Jackson finished with 10 points in 27 minutes of action and grabbed eight rebounds.

SACRAMENTO, CA – JULY 3: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the game against the Utah Jazz on July 3, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.
SACRAMENTO, CA – JULY 3: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the game against the Utah Jazz on July 3, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

The real stars from Tuesday evening’s action were a great dynamic duo. Kobi Simmons and Wayne Selden packed a one-two punch that kept the Utah Jazz away long enough. It seemed like Simmons would hit first, and then Selden would come in with the knockout blow.

Credit goes to Utah for fighting back from a ridiculous first-half deficit and continuing to compete, but Memphis found a way to win. Selden and Simmons combined for 40 points and nine rebounds.

Another guy that played well for Memphis was Deyonta Davis. Davis had the put-back shot toward the end of the game off of an over-shot by Selden. He seemed to be everywhere on the offensive end and picked his spots well.

I know a lot of fans and local media have been down on Davis (including myself), but he had a really great outing. He finished with 17 points  in 23 minutes of floor time in Tuesday’s victory by the Grizzlies.

What is Next?

Memphis (2-0), like many of us, will have the Fourth of July holiday off, but will return to action on Thursday as they take on the San Antonio Spurs (1-1). All of the summer league action will be on NBATV and will tip off at 6:00 CT on Thursday night.