The Grizzlies just went to Sacramento and beat a struggling Kings team, 129-125. Both teams have been struggling as of late and will likely be fighting for draft position for a stacked 2026 NBA Draft. With Jaren Jackson Jr. being traded and Ja Morant likely to be next, the Grizzlies will almost certainly struggle the rest of the season.
However, the Grizzlies are 2-0 to start the month of February despite having previously lost six straight games and going 3-11 in January. The Grizzlies have had issues closing out games, largely due to injuries and questionable late-game execution from the players and coaching staff. This time, in the last two games, the Grizzlies have been able to maintain consistent energy for all four quarters.
The team is showing some signs of life
On Monday night, the Grizzlies were able to score 137 points against a Minnesota team that beat them by 17 points just two days before. While the main takeaway was that the game ended up being Jaren Jackson Jr.'s last in Memphis, there were still many positive performances. An important development is that Ty Jerome is off to a very strong start after returning from his calf strain.
What also cannot be lost is the emergence of the Grizzlies' young wing players. GG Jackson II is starting to recapture the flashes of potential he showed his rookie season. Also, Jaylen Wells is finally rediscovering his best offense, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper has given the Grizzlies quality minutes almost every time he steps on the court.
The young talent is showing zero signs of quitting
The Jaren Jackson Jr. trade signals a rebuild in Memphis; however, the Grizzlies were energized and made multiple clutch plays. Cam Spencer ended up with 20 points and scored eight of the last ten Grizzlies' points to win a tight game. GG Jackson II also scored 16 points and has scored in double figures in six of the last seven games.
Despite having a rough scoring night, Cedric Coward continued to do great things without scoring, such as his playmaking and rebounding. Jahmai Mashack, currently on a two-way, had not appeared in an NBA game since the Grizzlies' loss to the Phoenix Suns. In 22 minutes, he had a career-best five assists and also added three steals. The Grizzlies are shorthanded due to injuries and pending trades, especially in the frontcourt; however, that did not stop the Grizzlies from making winning plays.
Given the current circumstances, it would be shocking if the Grizzlies get a top-10 seed. However, it will be vital to continue giving their youth talent opportunities, especially in high-pressure situations. While the Grizzlies will likely lose many more games, there are still flashes of potential being shown as of late.