Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 24-point display proved crucial for the Memphis Grizzlies with his play-in game victory against the Dallas Mavericks.
After a loss against the Golden State Warriors in the first play-in game, the Grizzlies needed a big response.
Desmond Bane, Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. matched 68 points for the Memphis Grizzlies in the evening.
This means the team will have their first round matchup with OKC Thunder.
Ahead of the must-see game with Mavs, Morant and Bane revealed that former defense player of the year sent a message to the group chat that the players responded well.
Morant and Bane revealed that Grizzlies’ performance was driven by Jackson Jr.’s message after a play-in loss against the Warriors.
This trio is key to the team, and only with three step-ups the Grizzlies can win the game.
Speaking about Jackson Jr.’s message, Morant said:
“Trip (Jackson Jr.) Send a paragraph before. Me and Desmond Bane answered, and they said well enough.
Desmond Bain also admitted the message sent by Jackson Jr. and spoke about it at a postgame press conference.
“We’ve been running some nice little chats all year round, and we were able to pin each other all different things to the ball.
“I had to hear (it) and I’m sure JA will need to hear him come to the game tonight.
“And our response was marching. Let’s put our best feet forward. Let’s do it,” Bane said.
JJJ has finished the regular season averaged 22.2 ppg.
He stepped up to a game the guards weren’t playing, helping the Grizzlies stay in the playoff spot despite their placement dropping after the All-Star break.
Richard Jefferson summoned Jackson Jr. due to his lack of rebound in his game, but that takes nothing away from his defensive resilience.
He can defend multiple positions, which is important to Thunder, and Thunder is led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of MVP Frontrunner.
Jackson Jr. has significantly increased his game at an offensive end without dropping his defensive ability.
The Thunder has players who can play on both ends. If the Grizzlies want to fight, they need to contribute to Jackson Jr. and the other players as Mark Degney’s men are the best defense in the league.