Jaren Jackson Jr. Crucial to Grizzlies’ Season Revival
The Memphis Grizzlies’ recent two-game winning streak came to an end with a defeat against the Denver Nuggets in Memphis. The game marked a challenging scenario for the Grizzlies, especially after the early exit of Zach Edey due to a head injury. Expectations were high for Jaren Jackson Jr., who returned after missing two games with an ankle sprain.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Impact on the Grizzlies
Jackson Jr., an eight-year veteran, was anticipated to be a key player as the Grizzlies sought to build on their recent success. However, his performance against the Nuggets raised concerns. He encountered foul trouble early, committing at least four fouls for the eleventh time this season. His struggles shooting from the field were apparent, leading to worries among Grizzlies fans about his current form.
Early Season Struggles
This season has been particularly challenging for Jackson Jr. He has only scored over 20 points in three out of 16 games, a stark contrast to his leading role in scoring from the previous season. The team’s performance reflected his struggles, as they recorded a team-worst -27 when he was on the court against the Nuggets, ultimately losing by 10 points.
- Games Played: 16
- Games Scoring Over 20 Points: 3
- Foul Trouble Incidents: 11 games with at least 4 fouls
Need for Stronger Support
Jackson Jr. has typically excelled when paired with other strong big men. However, he has played only 52 minutes alongside Zach Edey this season, highlighting a critical gap in support. The Grizzlies are also awaiting the return of Brandon Clarke, known for his athleticism, who is expected to return by January.
Despite his current struggles, there is optimism that Jackson Jr. can regain his form, especially when playing alongside a stronger frontcourt. The Grizzlies will need him to bounce back to his near All-NBA level for the team to thrive in this competitive season.
