The Memphis Grizzlies had an up and down 2018. The play of Jaren Jackson Jr. has been one of the few bright spots and that was on full display in Brooklyn.
As we begin 2019 we at Beale Street Bears decided to give you all our favorite moments of the Grizzlies 2018-19 season thus far.
While some may pick Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, Jevon Carter‘s NBA debut or even the early play of Shelvin Mack. Some will also choose Jaren Jackson Jr. but for different reasons.
I chose the game vs the Brooklyn Nets on November 30th. As I sat on the couch in my living room watching the game with my family, Jackson already has me stoked because he’s at 20 points in the game and doing it in tremendous fashion.
Problem is JB sat him too long and now we’re in a crunch for time and behind the eightball. The Grizzlies are down 7 with 28 seconds left in the 4th.
Jaren Jackson gets the ball outside the three-point line and nails it but is also fouled on the play thus sending to the line for a potential four-point play which he makes and brings the game within three.
After forcing a defensive stop and getting the ball back, Jackson gets the ball and nails another three-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime where they would eventually win in the second overtime session.
Jackson finished that game not only with 36 points and eight rebounds while also making all seven free-throw attempts. He also made three of his seven shot attempts from long distance.
Which shows he banged for boards while still, scoring at a very high level. He also made clutch shots and winning plays down the stretch.
He showed off his ability to carry a team into wins so his stat line for that game speaks volumes about his versatility and unique potential in the future. It was that moment I begin to confess Jackson Jr. as the Grizzlies savior.