The Memphis Grizzlies saw their two-game winning streak come to an end as they fell to the Denver Nuggets at home. This defeat was compounded by a setback with Zach Edey, who exited the game early due to a head injury. The Grizzlies were hopeful for a boost from Jaren Jackson Jr., who returned after missing two games due to an ankle sprain. Despite this, Jackson struggled to make a significant impact as he faced foul trouble again, marking his 11th game this season with at least four fouls.
The Grizzlies had been feeling optimistic following their brief winning streak, but Jackson’s early-season performance has raised concerns among fans. Once a leading scorer for the team, Jackson has managed to exceed 20 points in only three out of his 16 games this season, leading to questions about his ability to regain his All-NBA caliber play.
In the matchup against the Nuggets, the Grizzlies were at their worst when Jackson was on the court, trailing by 27 points in a game they ultimately lost by just ten. This raises the question of whether he can overcome his current struggles. Historically, Jackson has performed better alongside dominant big men. However, he has only shared the court with Edey for a mere 52 minutes this season, and the absence of other impactful players, like Brandon Clarke, who is sidelined until at least late December, limits the team’s overall effectiveness.
Despite Jackson’s ongoing challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope that he can rebound from his performance issues. He possesses the talent needed to excel, particularly when paired with the right teammates on the court. The Grizzlies will look to reestablish their momentum as they navigate these challenges, emphasizing the importance of their star players’ health and performance going forward.