Chris Paul name-drops Grizzlies forward GG Jackson following loss to Warriors
By Mark Nilon
The Memphis Grizzlies may have endured loss number 47 Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors, but rookie phenom GG Jackson went on to post yet another mesmerizing performance against the club's new-age rivals.
In their first showing against one another back on January 15, the forward ended up putting forth a career-best performance by dropping 23 points on 66.7 percent shooting from the floor and 62.5 percent shooting from deep.
Their latest matchup saw Jackson once again setting new professional highs -- something Draymond Green acknowledged "he seems to have" against the Dubs during his postgame presser --, as he registered a whopping 35 points to go along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists on 57.9 percent shooting from the floor and 50.0 percent shooting from distance.
His performance was so mesmerizing that it drew acknowledgment from current Warriors guard and former AAU coach, Chris Paul, who couldn't help but shout out the rookie during his press conference.
Chris Paul shouts out Grizzlies rookie GG Jackson after loss to Warriors
"Honestly, I'll tell you the most fulfilling thing about tonight was GG Jackson. GG Jackson was on my AAU team. I was his coach two years ago... GG is an unbelievable kid. We played at Memphis twice this year and I was hurt both of those games so going into the game, it's crazy. Sometimes he still calls me coach. He hit a three in my face early in the game [and] I was pissed because out AAU program is really like a family and to see him, to be out there on the court playing against him is something I'll never get used to. It's kind of a surreal moment."
- Chris Paul
Since being selected 45 overall during this past NBA Draft, Jackson has endeared himself to both the Grizzlies franchise and their faithful followers with his stupendous efforts and on-court production.
Since initially coming across consistent playing time within Taylor Jenkins' rotation back on January 13, the forward has gone on to post impressive per-game averages of 15.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 45.2 percent from the floor and 37.6 percent from deep.
Not only has his play earned him a full-scale, multi-year pact with the franchise, as he had his two-way contract converted back in early February, but he's also received ample attention from those residing outside of the 38103, as he recently found himself making a push up this year's electrifying rookie ladder board.