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It’s been over a year since Jaren Jackson Jr. last played for the Memphis Grizzlies, but boy was he worth the wait. Ja Morant knows this and couldn’t be happier to have his partner-in-crime back on the floor.
The Grizz’s playoff push just got a much-needed boost, as Jackson returned to action on Wednesday in the team’s 117-105 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Although Memphis failed to get the victory, the 21-year-old big man had an impressive performance following an extremely lengthy lay-off after recovering from a torn meniscus.
After the match, Morant was still in high spirits and shared his delight upon seeing Trip back to his old self, per Meghan Triplett of Grind City Media.
Ja Morant said it was great to be back playing with Jaren Jackson Jr. and that it was a good sign. Ja said everyone knows how excited he was with his posts and said his message to Jaren was to just go out and play his game.
— Meghan Triplett (@Meghan_Triplett) April 22, 2021
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins understandably limited Jackson to just 18 minutes versus the Clippers. But he made every second count, producing 15 points on 4-of-11 shooting from the field, along with eight rebounds and four rejections. His impact was felt right away on both ends of the floor. His ability to defend and stretch the floor is something Memphis has been missing the entire season.
Final Numbers ?
Ja: 22 points 6 reb 4 a Trip: 15 points 8 reb 4 blocksSLOMO: 12 points 3 reb 3 blocks Bane: 10 points 2 reb DB: 8 points X: 8 points 12 reb 2 a 2 stl BC: 6 points 4 reb G3: 6 points Melt: 5 points Stones: 4 points 3 a #GrzNxtGen
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) April 22, 2021
Jackson, for his part, said he was just happy to be back on the floor and grateful for his teammates for having his back throughout the entire grueling recovery process.
“I am going to have their back. They are going to have my back always!”
-Jaren Jackson Jr. on the support of his teammates
— Meghan Triplett (@Meghan_Triplett) April 22, 2021
The 6-foot-11 slotman certainly rewarded his team’s patience with the way he played in his first game back. Big things were expected out of the Michigan State alum after a breakout sophomore campaign last season. Jackson was developing into one of the most promising two-way bigs in the league, averaging 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 57 games before his season was cut short due to injury.
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