Memphis Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr had 6 blocks to defeat the Lakers by 8 points
It is not only Ja Morant who is performing at a high level for the Grizzlies. The sensational guard has got a huge supporting cast at Memphis, allowing him to dictate the game. After 15 points win against the Clippers, the Memphis team remained in LA to face the city’s another iconic franchise – LA Lakers.
Memphis was on an 8-game winning run and had already bettered the Lakers 2-1 this season. But the Lakers were also on 5 games winning run and LeBron James was in top form, putting up some game-winning performances.
But the Grizzlies seemed unfazed by any other stats and looked determined to stretch their winning run to 9 games (current season-high). With Morant having an unfamiliar rough night (in terms of stats), Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr stepped up their game to make it difficult for the Lakers.
Bane scored team-high 23 points whereas Jackson registered a dominant double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Ja Morant had fared well in-game with 16 points and 7 assists. Grizzlies finally take season series 3-1 winning the game 127-119 against LA Lakers.
James put on solo efforts to win the game for the Lakers, but couldn’t get the result he was looking for. He scored 35 points in the game, while other Lakers’ starters tallied a total of 22 points. James also managed 7 assists in the game which puts him above Oscar Robertson in the all-time assists list.
James’ 30+ points game was his 18th for the season, a league-high this term. But Lakers’ failure to win after LeBron’s 30+ game is also the highest (8 times) in the league.
Generally, the spotlight goes for the top scorer of the game or a record-setting performance in the game. But the supporting cast also play a very vital role in deciding the outcome of the game. Ja Morant is without doubt Grizzlies’ important piece in any game, he has taken on opponents single-handedly this season.
But 2020 Rookie of the season has a very potent support cast, who is delivering every night for the team. Jaren Jackson Jr. is one such piece who plays a vital role in the team. He averages 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks this season for Memphis.
Jackson’s last 2 games have been very encouraging signs for the team. He scored 26 points with 8 rebounds and 5 blocks in the win against the Clippers. Tonight he managed to deliver similar stats with 21 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists against the Lakers.
With such impressive performances, he became only the second player in Grizzlies history with 20+ points and 5 or more blocks in consecutive matches. Another player is Pau Gasol – former Grizzlies and Lakers player (interesting…)
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