NBA Top Five Performances, March 18: Memphis Grizzlies Blow Out Golden State Warriors Behind Jaren Jackson Jr’s 31 Points
TOP PLAYERS OF THE DAY:
There were questions on whether the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies are a rivalry.
Saturday night’s game may have answered those questions. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 31 points, seven rebounds and four blocks in the Grizzlies’ win. Jackson’s 31 points tied the fourth-highest scoring performance of his career. His eight fourth quarter points helped stave off a Warriors comeback.
“What it comes down to is finding those moments to assert himself,” Jenkins said. “Whether that’s in the flow of the offense or making a call for him. He’s found a lot of success, making efficient moves to get to the rim.”
The narrative about the Warriors dominating Memphis is starting to shrink. The two eliminated each other from the playoffs the last two postseasons and split the regular season series this season. The Warriors have more historical success but the new-age Grizzlies are challenging them nevertheless.
OTHERS:
- Jalen Brunson had 24 points in his New York Knicks return to defeat the Denver Nuggets.
- Markelle Fultz’s 28-point performance helped the Orlando Magic rally against the Los Angeles Clippers. Fultz scored 12 in the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead basket and foul shots to clinch Orlando’s victory.
- Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis had 30 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds against the Washington Wizards, adding to his league-lead in double-doubles.
- Joel Embiid had 31 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in the Philadelphia 76ers’ eighth straight win. Embiid made franchise history as the first Sixer with nine consecutive 30-point performances.
Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jayden.armant@bison.howard.edu or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.
