The Grizzlies continued their dominance over the Los Angeles Clippers this season after defeating them for the third time within three weeks on Monday night. While their victory came at a cost, with Ja Morant twisting his ankle towards the end of the game, the team received special performances from Jaren Jackson Jr. and Cam Spencer.
Spencer, specifically, scored a career-high 27 points on 9-13 shooting, including 7-10 shooting from three. His barrage in the fourth quarter helped the Grizzlies extend their lead to 20 points, which essentially ended any chance at a comeback by the Clippers. His performance continued a trend that doesn't seem to be ending any time soon from the second-year guard.
Cam Spencer is the best bench scorer in the NBA
Cam Spencer is averaging 16.9 points and 5.2 assists on 63.7% shooting from the field and 63.6% from three in an average of 25.5 minutes per game in his last 10 games for the Grizzlies. His streak of 10 straight games scoring in double figures is the longest active streak in the league.
When condensing his hot streak to his last five games, he is averaging 19.4 points and 5.8 assists on 68% shooting from the field and 66.6% from three in an average of 27.6 minutes. He has also scored all three of his 20+ point games in that span, including back-to-back 20-point performances in his last two games against the Jazz and Clippers.
His 20-point scoring game against the Jazz on Friday included him shooting 100% (6-6 FG, 6-6 3P, 2-2 FT). His last two games saw him connect on a stretch of 13 of 14 three-point attempts as he kept making his "heat check" threes against the Clippers. He is also the only qualified player this season averaging 50%+ overall, 40%+ from 3-point range, and 90%+ from the free-throw line.
Cam Spencer is making a case to be the best shooter (outside of Steph Curry) in the NBA with his recent surge, and the Grizzlies are grateful for it. While he can't seem to miss from anywhere on the court, his playmaking isn't far behind as he continues to get his teammates involved as the primary ball handler coming off the bench as well.
The Grizzlies drafted Cam Spencer with the 53rd overall pick in the second round to become exactly what he is displaying right now. He just continues to add to their successful recent draft record and has entrenched himself into a likely rotation spot once the team returns to full health.