Monday evening, the injury-ravaged Memphis Grizzlies once again relied heavily on their "next man up" mentality while facing off against the Golden State Warriors. Though they found themselves getting franchise big Jaren Jackson Jr. back into the lineup for the contest, ultimately, the star of the show wound up being rookie forward, GG Jackson II
Due to the team's bevy of player absences, coach Taylor Jenkins was forced to dig deep into his assortment of available talents and, while there were several individuals who came to the call, none shined in the same way that the first-year baller did.
After putting forth a tremendous 20-point showing during Saturday's bout against the New York Knicks, Jackson astonishingly managed to outperform himself just two days later, as he went on to drop a career-high 23 points to go along with 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks all while shooting 66.7 percent from the floor and 62.5 percent from deep on eight attempts.
Even with the fact that seven total Grizzlies went on to register double-digit points, Jackson was undoubtedly the standout performer during their 116-107 win over the Warriors.
This sentiment was only further strengthened by his post-game interview with the NBA on TNT crew that showed him display an all-time wholesome reaction when directly speaking with host and basketball legend, Shaquille O'Neal.
Grizzlies big GG Jackson II looks astonished while speaking to Shaq
Youngest player in the NBA, GG Jackson's reaction when he heard Shaq interviewing him after dropping 23 PTS ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hfpIXCnY6N
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 16, 2024
Attached to a two-way contract, Jackson has spent the majority of the 2023-24 campaign revolving in and out of the G League, suiting up for the Grizzlies' affiliate team, the Memphis Hustle.
With this, along with the fact that he is currently the youngest player in the association at19 years and 29 days old, it goes without saying that him being anointed "Player of the Game" during a primetime, MLK Day contest against the dynastic Warriors was a complete and utter shock.
Heartwarmingly enough, however, Jackson, too, seemed pleasantly surprised by how things played out, though his exchange with Shaq was the only time during the night where he visibly looked overwhelmed with emotion.