The Memphis Grizzlies are currently on a two-game win streak, winning their last two against the Denver Nuggets. With these two recent wins, the Grizz are now two games above .500 at 5-3, making them only one game behind the top seed Utah Jazz.
While no one expects them to contend for a championship, they are a team that will be a tough out no matter who they play. The last two games have been against Denver, both wins.
Yes, they are without their second-best player in Jamaal Murray, but nonetheless, they are still a great team. Trying to stop the MVP in Jokic, can be one of the toughest things to do in the league.
These Grizzlies strong performances help them get a win over Denver to keep some consistency at bay.
No, Ja Morant didn’t get his signature 30 point game he seems to be having a lot of lately. No, he did not meet his season average. However, he let other players cook.
So while he won’t be on this list of good performers, his game was just as valuable. We are getting to the point now where Ja Morant can go get 30 a night if he wants. However, this game was about getting the boys going. Especially the first guy on this list.
Grizzlies key performances in win over Nuggets
Jaren Jackson Jr., F/C:
Jaren Jackson Jr. had maybe the most important play of the game on Wednesday night against the Nuggets. Tasked with the job of guarding the reigning MVP in Nikola Jokic, Jackson was able to force a miss on what ended up winning the game for them. Other than that, Jackson played very well, compared to his play this season overall.
With 22 points, he led the team in scoring, showing his jumper from the outside, and playing a bit of bully ball down low at times. With Steven Adams in and out due to foul trouble, the former 4th overall pick also pulled down 8 rebounds in the win.
Kyle Anderson, F:
Of course, with his nickname “slow-mo”, Kyle Anderson has earned respect across the league for being able to score and making it look like he’s in slow motion. On Wednesday, that’s exactly what he looked like as he scored 16.
Hitting big shots when they need them the most is what Anderson is so good at. Not only that, but he scored from all three levels in the win over Denver, shooting 7-11 from the field, and 2-3 from three.
Desmond Bane, F:
The second-year forward is making great progressions this season. With already a few good scoring games, he added onto that with his performance on Wednesday night against a good Nuggets defense. Bane has always been a great scorer and rebounder for his position, but in this one, he did something a little better than usual.
Desmond Bane was actively trying to create plays for himself and his teammates. The box score will only say three assists, but his great ball movement and cutting count for much more than a stat.