3 best performances from Grizzlies’ season-opening win vs. Cavaliers

Memphis Grizzlies Top Performer No. 2: Jaren Jackson Jr.

At times, Jaren Jackson Jr. struggled to score the ball down low against a big Cavaliers interior. Actually, “at times” isn’t the right phrasing — JJJ missed all four of his shots that came from inside the arch. He has yet to score a two-pointer in 2021.

That said, JJJ proved that his poor shooting season in 2020-21 was a fluke, knocking down three three-pointers on Wednesday night. He took eight shots, giving him a respectable 37.5% long-range shooting percentage.

But offense wasn’t where he shined.

He shined on the defensive end, where the former Michigan State big man recorded four blocks on the night, keeping the Cavs away from the bucket whenever possible. But what if I told you that the blocks weren’t even the best part?

The best part was that JJJ stayed out of foul trouble. The Grizzly big who fouls more than almost anybody in the league recorded just two personal fouls on the night, something that Grizzlies fans are accustomed to seeing more of.

If Jackson can continue to play stingy defense without fouling, Memphis won’t even need him to produce much offensively.