Jaren Jackson Jr. name-drops Grizzlies guard following game-winning heroics

A back-and-forth affair on the road against the San Antonio Spurs ended in exhilarating fashion Friday night, as star big Jaren Jackson Jr. paved the way for the Memphis Grizzlies during the final 12-minute block of the contest, dropping a game-high 12 points in this stretch (had 28 overall) and pulled out the moves to splash home the late left-handed floater with just 1.2 remaining on the game clock.

Ultimately, this proved to be the dagger in the heart of Victor Wembanyama and company, as coach Taylor Jenkins' squad went on to pull out the 99-97 victory to give them win number 24 on the year.

Following the contest, Jackson was rightfully fawned over by teammates and media pundits alike for his late-game heroics, as he undoubtedly put the team on his back with his electrifying two-way play.

However, amid the praise-filled aftermath, the power forward couldn't help but redirect attention toward one of his teammates, as he credited Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. with playing a significant role in the team's stellar showing.

Jaren Jackson Jr. praises Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. after win

"Scotty's back! He was just keeping the pace calm, keeping everything cool, bringing the ball up, [and] getting steals. Every time something broke down, every time someone threw a pass that was a little high he got a steal so I'm glad he's back man. He really changed the game for us like he did when we were in Miami."

- Jaren Jackson Jr.

Perhaps one of the more underrated players currently on this Grizzlies roster, Pippen has been a silent revelation for the club since agreeing to a two-way deal back in mid-January.

Recently returning from a month-long injury induced absence, logging 23 minutes on the night the point guard posted an impressive stat-line of 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals while shooting 66.7 percent from the floor and 100 percent from deep.

From his crafty handles and underappreciated court vision to his quick hands on the defensive end, Pippen is a player who deserves more attention from both pundits and team personnel moving forward, as he could serve as a quality backup option behind the likes of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart next season assuming Memphis re-signs him.

Fortunately, it seems Jackson is already well aware of the impact the sophomore provides to this Grizzlies team, and heaped praise in his direction despite it being a night where his own heroics shined through.