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Grizz playoff success tied to Jaren Jackson Jr.

By Jacob Ellerbee

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 11: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the New York Knicks at FedExForum on March 11, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 11: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the New York Knicks at FedExForum on March 11, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
Mar 20, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports) /

The Memphis Grizzlies are putting the finishing touches on the 2021-22 regular season with 10 games remaining on the slate before the playoffs begin.

It’s starting to look like the Grizzlies will be able to hang on to the second seed in the Western Conference, especially with Golden State’s Stephen Curry sidelined for the next week or two with an injury.

Everyone knows Ja Morant is going to be the most important piece in the team’s quest to advancing in the playoffs and competing for a championship.

However, there is another player who’s success is going to be incredibly important, especially in the playoffs. Team’s will be so focused on Morant, it will require big time production from someone who is more than capable.

Memphis Grizzlies need Jaren Jackson Jr. to make a leap in the Playoffs

Jaren Jackson Jr. has made some amazing strides this season. He leads the NBA in total blocks this season and is tied for first in the league in blocks per game (2.2).

The former Michigan State product has even earned the nickname “Block Panther” for his ability to athletically and quickly swat the ball away from the basket.

Beyond his defensive prowess, Jackson has to score the ball consistently and effectively. The Memphis Grizzlies are 5-7 this season when Jaren Jackson scores 10 points or fewer this season, according to Stat Muse.

Jackson is capable of pouring in the points. He’s recorded 20-29 points in a game on 25 separate occasions this season.

Come playoff time Triple J is going to have to be playing the best basketball of his career for the Grizzlies to advance beyond the first round. He needs to be smarter about when to gamble on his blocked shots to stay out of foul trouble.

If Jackson can get to that 20+ point per game range in the playoffs, it’ll force defenses to respect him on offense and therefore take a ton of pressure off Ja Morant.

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