3 takeaways from Memphis Grizzlies’ win over Kings without Ja Morant

Takeaway No. 2: The right Grizzlies stepped up without Ja Morant in the game

When teams lose their star player, the fate of the squad normally relies on what the next guy in line does. Fortunately for the Grizzlies, there are a few players who could make an argument for being the “next man up.”

Directly, it’s Tyus Jones. That said, in terms of leadership, scoring, and general importance to the team, there’s a shortlist of Grizzlies who can be that guy. On Sunday, every single one of those players had a solid game.

It starts with Jaren Jackson Jr., a player whose game has a long way to go, but is expected to be the number two guy. Jackson has been a strong scorer all year long — particularly from the three-point line. Against the Kings, he kept that trend alive with a respectable 17 points. He was also a force down low, pulling in nine rebounds and blocking two shots.

The team’s leading scorer, however, was Dillon Brooks, who scored 21 points on 17 shots which, by his standards, isn’t a bad number. Brooks is always looking to put up more shots, so if you’re looking for someone to pick up Ja Morant’s attempt total, he’s your guy.

But there’s one guy left in Desmond Bane.

Bane was still a rookie when Morant went down with an early-season injury last year, so he wasn’t in a position to pick up any slack. This year, I think he’ll have a huge impact, as he has quickly become the team’s third scoring option. In the Grizzlies’ first game without Morant, Bane knocked down four three-pointers and scored 18 points.

The Grizzlies have a handful of guys who can step up — who will?