Jaren Jackson Shines
A lot of attention has been given to Ja Morant this season, and rightfully so. He has turned into one of the best young point guards in the NBA. However, there is a reason that the Grizzlies were able to earn the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference despite missing 25 games this season.
Memphis went 20-5 in those games, including a season-defining stretch in late November into early December that they really got things rolling. It speaks volumes about the depth that the team has. One of those standout players this season has been Jaren Jackson Jr.
For the first time in his career, Jackson was healthy throughout an entire season. He has immense potential and the Grizzlies benefited from it, as he played in 78 games after playing only 126 in his first three seasons in the NBA.
Last year during the postseason Jackson was still looking rusty after returning from injury. This year, he is ready to go and will be a key factor in this series as he will play great on both ends of the floor.
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Jackson will likely find himself matched up with Karl-Anthony Towns at points throughout the game whenever Steven Adams is off the floor. He is an excellent defender, leading the NBA with 2.3 blocks per game this season. He will frustrate Towns and make him earn his points.
Offensively, Jackson’s shot wasn’t there throughout the season but he should be in for a good series against a Minnesota team that sometimes struggles with opposing big men. His ability to stretch the floor will be key, especially if he is matched up with the sometimes defensively challenged Towns.
