As Memphis Grizzlies prepare to take on the Denver Nuggets for a second consecutive game at the FedExForum, their star forward looks to extend his 20-plus points game streak. Jaren Jackson Jr. has led the Grizzlies in scoring outright in the team’s last five games and has a six-game streak with 20-plus points.
After avergaing a career-high of 22.5 points last season, Jaren Jackson Jr. is leading the team with 23.1 points through 14 games this season (12 games played). He is also averaging 28 points in his last five games when the team has desperately needed his outburst with Ja Morant and Desmond Bane in and out of the lineup.
25yo Jaren Jackson Jr. is making huge winning impact…
— NBA University (@NBA_University) November 17, 2024
MEM has been ravaged with injuries, yet, JJJ has led them to 7th ORTG & 5th DRTG. Elite (+9.3 per 100) when he’s on the court. Scoring efficiently from all 3 levels. Intimidating defensive presence. Consistency 📈 pic.twitter.com/lnWSAne1MB
Known as a great defender with foul problems throughout the first six years of his career, Jaren is quietly averaging his least amount of fouls per game for his career with 3.0 fouls per game. His previous season low was 3.5 fouls per game during the 2021-22 season. The former Defensive Player of the Year recipient is still one of the league's best defenders as well averaging 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game.
However, his offense has taken on another level this season, further elevating his development after a season where he had to learn other areas to grow his game on that end. Along with his career-high in points, Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging a career-high in field goal percentage (53.8%), two-point percentage (61.9%), and a second-best percentage from three (36.7%).
His ability to bring the basketball up the court and attack his matchup off the dribble has helped with his scoring output at the rim. Also, his teammates noticing and giving him the ball in the low post when he has a mismatch has been helpful in his development as he is making his matchup pay nearly every time he has the size advantage.
The elephant in the room has always been that the Grizzlies needed this version of Jaren Jackson Jr. to develop to become a true championship contender. His ability to lead the team in the absence of their other two stars is something that could only be developed with opportunity and he took that last season and has become one of the best at his position this season.
Desmond Bane has returned and Ja Morant will be on his way back to the court soon to help spell Jaren from the scoring load he has now. However, don't expect his scoring to diminish too much as the ability he is showing now could be what the team needs with everyone back to get over the hump as a contender this season.