The Memphis Grizzlies were destroyed 131-80 by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the Western Conference.
Thunder was fully expected to win Game 1 and the Series, but not at an astonishing 51 points.
The Grizzlies were officially punished by the number one species, not simply appearing under interim head coach Tuomas iisalo.
Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins took exception to the performance of one player in particular, urging him to “step up” in Game 2.
Ja Morant and Desmond Bane both performed poorly in Game 1, but Jaren Jackson Jr. was the most disappointing grizzly ever.
The All-Star power forward provided four points, three rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes.
Perkins called him at the sports centre: “Pray. Unless Jalen Jackson Jr. decides to step up, that’s all you can do to be honest with you. Last time I checked, he’s a former defensive player.
“Tonight he finished the game with four points and three rebounds. He has to influence in some way, especially against two big guys, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. They need more from him.
“I know JA is not 100%. He’s dealing with that ankle injury, but he’s fighting there. JarenJacksonJR has to stand up on that opportunity.
“I’m not talking about taking a lot of three-point shots. I’m talking about how he’s far behind on that low block. When they switch over a little guard like Alex Caruso to him, punish them inside and influence this series for the game and the Memphis Grizzlies.”
One Grizzlies player deserves credit for his performance against the OKC Thunder, especially considering how poor his teammates were.
In fact, Iisalo’s team accounted for just 34.4% of shots from the field, with a 3-point percentage of just 17.7.
However, Marvin Bagley III got 17 points, five rebounds and two steals off the bench, making it 8-8 from the field with one three.
It’s a shame they’ve wasted a very impressive display, as it appears that it’s very unlikely for Grizzlies to replicate it in Game 2 and beyond.