The Memphis Grizzlies entered halftime during Game 1 of their first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder pondering how to make the most of Game 2. That may sound harsh, but the game was over as soon as it began, with the Thunder blitzing the Grizzlies and running away with a 131-80 victory.
As the Grizzlies prepare for Game 2 and the rest of a series they hope is far from over, they must commit to a lineup change that can only be permitted by Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jackson is one of the most decorated players in Grizzlies history, with his list of accolades growing during the 2024-25 regular season. He's already a former Defensive Player of the Year, as well as a two-time All-Star, two-time All-Defensive First Team honoree, and two-time blocks leader.
In the midst of the best offensive season of his career, however, Jackson couldn't buy a bucket against the Thunder, shooting 2-of-13 from the field.
The Grizzlies clearly need Jackson to produce something closer to his regular season numbers to have a chance in this series. He finished the 2024-25 campaign averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.5 blocks, 1.2 steals, and 2.0 three-point field goals made on .488/.375/.781 shooting.
The harsh reality facing Memphis, however, is that Jackson's scoring wouldn't be enough to permit the team to make the necessary decision to move Zach Edey back to the second unit.
Jaren Jackson Jr. must fix flaws for Grizzlies to use Zach Edey as reserve
Edey is a rookie a being thrown to the proverbial wolves as he attempts to find his place in a postseason setting against a 68-win team. It's an unenviable position, as the Thunder are flush with players who can exploit his indecision and inevitable defensive inconsistency.
Unfortunately, Memphis will find it challenging to bench Edey knowing that Isaiah Hartenstein is present to otherwise dominate the offensive glass.
Considering the Grizzlies are already struggling to prevent the Thunder from scoring, allowing a surplus of second chances would be a nightmare. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies don't have all that many options to consider.
Jackson is a phenomenal defender and a vastly improved scorer, but he remains one of the worst rebounding bigs in the NBA—as evidenced by his zero defensive rebounds in Game 1.
In a perfect world, the Grizzlies could move Edey to the second unit and balance their lineup with the introduction of a more ideal short-term fit. They could still give Edey significant playing time, but the change would enable Jackson to anchor the team's efforts and give the defense a chance to catch its breath.
Unfortunately, until Jackson is willing to rebound at the level required of him, Memphis will find itself back in this predicament.
Jackson embracing the necessary level of physicality to rebound at a level that justifies Edey's benching could be the difference between Memphis recovering and continuing to falter. It's an admittedly unlikely outcome based on past experiences, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
The Grizzlies have a lineup change that could swing momentum, but if they're going to be able to make it, then Jackson will need to justify the decision.