SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Memphis’ opportunity to shine on All-Star Sunday night, Feb. 16, in San Francisco fizzled after both teams that sported representatives of the Grizzlies’ success fell short in the celebration’s new format.
This year, the league kicked the tires on a mini-tournament featuring four teams. Akin to pick-up games, the winner is the first team to reach 40 points.
Grizzlies’ leading scorer Jaren Jackson Jr. exited the tournament in the first game. Playing for Kenny’s Young Stars, the two-time All-Star scored four points, two rebounds, two assists.
It wasn’t enough. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 12 points, Team Global All-Stars outscored the opposition 41-32 in eight minutes of play. Both coaches work as analysts for TNT’s “Inside the NBA” program.
For Jackson, the early exit didn’t tarnish the experience.
“It’s great for my team to go and show the great work they have been doing off the court. To be around my family to see it firsthand and to be excited for me. I am ready to get back home to start second half of the season.”
Going into the contest, Jackson’s goal was to pull-off an All-Star weekend rarity, play defense. The 6’11” power forward also chipped in two blocks and a steal in the effort.
“They knew I was going to play defense, I told them I was going to play defense.”
Jackson’s team of fellow All- Stars included Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat, who led Kenny’s Young Stars with six points apiece. Other starters on the eight-member squad are Jaylen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson. The bench was made up of Darius Garland, Cade Cunningham and Anthony Edwards. The latter did not play.
In addition to Alexander, centers Nikola Jokic and Karl Anthony Towns also started for Chucks’ Global Stars. They were joined by Donovan Mitchell and Pascal Siakam in the starting five. Victor Wembanyama, Aperin Sengun, Trae Young and Giannis Antetokounmpo made up the bench. All nine members have an international connection.
“It was great to be out there. It was a great experience. It was rare company and real some great talent,” said Jackson.
His teammates fell out of contention in the next semifinal game. Grizzlies rookies Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells scored two points and grabbed two rebounds apiece as the veteran-laden Team Shaq topped the Rising Stars team 42-35 in 11 minutes.
Other members of the rookie Rising Stars squad include fellow starters Keyonte George, Stephen Caste and former Tennessee Volunteer Dalton Knecht. Bench players were Trayce Jackson-Davis, Amen Thompson and Ryan Dunn. Knecht and Dunn led the team with eight points apiece.
“It was great being here. My teammates were here and it was good building a relationship with them and sharing the experience with them,” said Edey.
Milwaukee Buck point guard Damion Lillard led all scorers with nine points. Shaq’s OGs featured other perennial All-Stars like Kevin Duran, Jason Taturn, James Harden, Kyrie Iriving, Stephen Curry and Jaylen Brown. The latter two scored eight points in the win. Former Lakers teammates Lebron James and Anthony Davis did not play.
Shaq’s OGs were coached by Golden State Warrior Hall of Fame player Chris Mullin.
“It was fun. I have been able to guard those guys all season. It was great to see them all on one team and to be able to go against them.” said Wells. “Seeing the whole thing take place. As a kid you just see the production part. I loved just being a part of it.”
The OGs topped the Global Stars 41-35 in the championship. Boston Celtics’ Jason Tatum scored 15 points and Golden State Warrior’s Stephen Curry added 12 points in the win. Wembanyama led the Global Stars with 11 points.
