3 standout performers in Memphis Grizzlies’ preseason opener

Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
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Memphis Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies Standout Performer No. 3: F Jaren Jackson Jr.

The third standout performer honor could have gone to a few Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night. That said, one stood above the rest.

That player is Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jackson didn’t necessarily play the most well-rounded game we’ve ever seen out of him. His 3-of-9 shooting and 1-of-4 three-point shooting was less than impressive. That said, he showed us why he is often referred to as a unicorn by Memphis Grizzlies fans with a few big plays on the night.

A handful of those big plays came on the defensive end, where Jackson was an absolute menace against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The former Michigan State big man recorded four blocks throughout the entirety of the three-quarter contest. This isn’t necessarily out of the ordinary for him though, as Jackson had two games in his shortened 2020-21 season where he finished with four blocks.

That said, it was great to see strong defensive chemistry between him and newcomer Steven Adams, who had a block of his own and 10 rebounds to go along with it.

Jackson also recorded a steal, two assists, and seven rebounds on the night. Despite the aforementioned underwhelming offensive performance, you’d be nitpicking if you called this a bad performance by JJJ.