Jaren Jackson scored 28 points for the second game in a row as the Memphis Grizzlies efficiently closed out back-to-back games with a 125-103 win over the Utah Jazz at the FedEx Forum on Saturday, Jan. 25.
At 31-15, the Grizzlies remain a half game behind the second place Houston Rockets in the Western Conference standings.
Memphis effectively put the game on ice in the third quarter. The Grizzlies started the quarter by outsourcing the Jazz 10-3, including two three-points shots from Ja Morant. The second pushed the lead to 75-60. The point guard also found rookie Zach Edey inside for a dunk to start the quarter. Memphis outscored the Jazz 36-17 in the period, good for a 60% clip, compared to Utah’s anemic 33%.
“I thought we got better in the second half. Over two-thirds of their possessions had a paint touch. They were getting offensive rebounds. We cleaned that up in the second half,” said Grizzlies Coach Taylor Jenkins.
With a comfortable 101-74 lead, Memphis slowed the pace down in the fourth quarter. As the Grizzlies opted to move the ball around and burn clock, the Jazz only managed to chip away a few points off the deficit as the final horn sounded.
Jaren Jackson paced the team early, hitting 3-4 in the first quarter. The former All-Star knocked down 10-14 from the field, including 2-4 from deep. He is currently averaging 22.9 points in his 44 games played this season. He also had five blocks on the night.
“I am flowing and everyone else are too. That is what it takes. We shouldn’t spend too much on it. We just worry about the next scout and take it one game at a time,” said Jackson.
Frontcourt mate Edey scored 19 points and added seven rebounds and four blocks. At 7’4”, Edey represents an imposing figure around the basket…and when provoked. During second quarter action, Edey tangled with Jazz forward Drew Eubanks while standing up for a teammate.
The bump occurred after Morant and Jazz reserve Keyonte George exchanged shoves when the latter held the ball after a turnover. Both were assessed technical fouls.
“It was a screen and bro (George) came over and mugged me. Edey asked he was bothering you? I said naw, bro. Zack thought I was lying and he came over as the enforcer that he is for this team,” said Morant.
Eubanks was assessed a technical two foul and ejected for shoving Edey.
“He (Edey) set the tone tonight. I thought he was phenomenal especially in the second half,” said Jenkins.
Morant finished the game with 11 points and seven assists, after missing Friday’s game against the Pelicans with an illness.
Desmond Bane scored 19 points on 7-11 shooting, including 2-3 from deep. His 17.7 points per game is third best on the team. This month, Bane has increased his output to 21.1 points per game. He was joined in double figures with rookie forward Jaylen Wells, who added 16 points. GG Jackson provided a spark off the bench with 15 points and six rebounds.
Colin Sexton led the Jazz with 20 points. Teammates Elijah Harkless, Kyle Flipowski, Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen each chipped in 11 points. Both Sexton and Kessler have been mentioned in trades talks this season. In the midst of a rebuild, the Jazz are currently stockpiling draft picks and young players.
At 10-33, they are in the running for the anticipated Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. The freshman out of Duke is currently averaging 17.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. He is widely expected to be the top pick in what is considered a loaded 2025 NBA draft class.
With the end of a 4-0 homestand, the Grizzlies will travel to the Big Apple to square off against the New York Knicks. They return to the FedEx Forum on Thursday, Jan. 30, to host the Rockets. Memphis has lost all three games to Houston this season.
