The Memphis Grizzlies continue to surprise during these post-Ja Morant injury days, as they just put forth one of their more complete games of the season Monday in an impressive win against the Toronto Raptors.
Not only did this outcome secure Taylor Jenkins' squad with their 16 win on the season, but it also halted a two-game losing streak and notched their fifth win over their last nine outings.
As has been the case throughout the team's recent injury woes, star big Jaren Jackson Jr. served as the driving force in Memphis' bout against Toronto, paving the way with a team-high 27 points on 54.5 percent shooting from the floor and 40.0 percent shooting from distance while also tallying 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 steals, and a block along the way.
Following the game, two-guard Luke Kennard (who also had himself a tremendous showing with 19 points, 7 assists, and 3 boards) hyped up the Grizzlies big by categorizing his play in two words: "He's unstoppable."
Luke Kennard hypes up Jaren Jackson Jr. after Grizzlies win v Toronto
"If we need a basket we go to Jaren. The way he's developed all season long, just watching him since I got here last year, it's very impressive and it's fun to play with a guy like that. He loves basketball, he loves his teammates, and he's always encouraging when we're out on the floor together."Luke Kennard
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 23, 2024
Jackson's play of late has caught the attention of not only teammates like Kennard, but also head coach Taylor Jenkins, who went on record last week stating that the big has done a great job producing in his new role as the team's go-to scoring option as a result of their slew of injuries.
With this latest performance, now in the post-Morant stages of 2023-24, the 24-year-old finds himself posting tremendous all-around averages of 26.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.0 steals, and just shy of a block while shooting 45.5 percent from the floor.
Hopefully this level of play can continue from Jackson as the Grizzlies prepare to get guys like Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart back within the next few weeks.