Three takeaways from GG Jackson, Memphis Grizzlies in summer league loss vs Utah Jazz
The Grizzlies jumped out to a 17-point lead in the first half, but the Jazz didn't take long to erase that deficit with elite shotmaking and strong defense.
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Ultimately the game came down to the final minutes of the fourth quarter at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Memphis led for most of the night, but a surging Jazz squad took control late in the fourth quarter.
But then, the Grizzlies had another chance. Utah knocked down two free throws and had a 3-point lead as GG Jackson knocked down a running shot at the buzzer.
The shot was ruled a two after Jackson appeared to have a toe on the 3-point line, ending the game in a 112-111 Grizzlies loss.
Jackson led the Grizzlies with 27 points. Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer each added 23 points. Zyon Pullin was the only other Grizzlies player in double figures, adding 10 points and nine assists.
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Here are three takeaways from the game.
Cam Spencer, GG Jackson pace Memphis offense
GG Jackson and Cam Spencer are both known for their offensive skills at this point of their careers, and they're emphatically showing why during summer league.
Jackson had a balanced performance, mixing in aggressive two-handed dunks and drives to the rim with a feathery 3-point shot that looks improved. He played with confidence and sometimes looked like he was moving at a different speed than opponents.
Aggressiveness was also a strong point in Spencer's game. He made three 3-pointers early in the first quarter. When it was clear he had the hot hand, Spencer hunted his shot by making himself available to teammates and using pump fakes and dribbles moves to get the separation he needed to fire off a 3-pointer. He knocked down seven of his 10 3-point attempts.
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Memphis is replacing two of the NBA's best 3-point shooters in Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard. Spencer, who was a noted 3-point shooter coming out of college in 2024, is looking like a player ready to help fill that void.
Jaylen Well stats
Wells got a little bit of summer league adversity against the Jazz. At one point, he missed six consecutive shots and struggled to find an offensive groove. He continued to play strong defense, and eventually more shots started falling.
Wells finished with 23 points on 6-for-18 shooting. As a rookie, Wells had a role that consisted mostly of defending wings and making 3-pointers. His role should expand going into his second season, meaning he'll have to be more of a contributor in other areas. He finished with two assists, one steal and one rebound against Utah.
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One rookie in, one rookie out
The NBA draft night trade that included Grizzlies rookie Jahmai Mashack became official on July 6. Despite not participating in any practices ahead of shootaround on July 7, Mashack made his Grizzlies debut against the Jazz.
Mashack didn't waste much time making an impact. For better or worse, he came out aggressive. Mashack showed playmaking potential with his ability to dribble, drive and find teammates. He ended the game with five points and eight assists.
MORE: Why Ja Morant, Mike Conley Jr. are among best Memphis Grizzlies draft choices of all time
On the other hand, his defense led to two steals and 10 fouls. In summer league, players get up to 10 fouls, but that ratio will need to shift by the fall.
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While Memphis got Mashack in, rookie guard Javon Small was out. Small is dealing with a groin strain, a team spokesperson told The Commercial Appeal. He led the Grizzlies with six assists in his summer league debut on July 5.
What's next
Memphis will have a quick turnaround for a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on July 8 (6 p.m., NBA TV). This will be the Grizzlies' last game in Salt Late City. They'll then head to Las Vegas four at least four more games.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grizzlies summer league highlights: GG Jackson, Memphis lose vs Jazz
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