Latest news with #GGJackson
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jahmai Mashack's shooting highlights 3 takeaways from Grizzlies summer league loss vs 76ers
The Memphis Grizzlies went into their third and final game of summer league action in Salt Lake City with a shortened roster. Many of the previous starters rested, while other players got extended opportunities against the Philadelphia 76ers. Memphis led by as many as 14 points before the 76ers took control early in the third quarter. The Grizzlies fought back after trailing by as many as 16 points and got within one with 1.9 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies got a steal on a Sixers inbounds pass, but a near fullcourt heave shot fell short. Memphis dropped its Salt Lake City summer league finale in a 91-90 loss on July 8. Here are three takeaways from the Grizzlies' summer league loss at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Missing in action Memphis rested all of its starters from the first two summer league games. Zyon Pullin, Cam Spencer, GG Jackson, Jaylen Wells and Armando Bacot all sat out against the 76ers. Rookie Grizzlies guard Javon Small also missed his second consecutive game while nursing a groin strain. In addition to those absences, Grizzlies first-round pick Cedric Coward has yet to make his summer league debut while recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in college. Coward is considered doubtful to play in summer league, but he hasn't been ruled out. There is a small chance that Coward could play in Las Vegas if he performs well in five-on-five action and contact drills. Jahmai Mashack stats Jahmai Mashack didn't get a chance to play in the Grizzlies' first summer league game, but he has made his presence felt in the last two. After fouling out on July 7, Mashack stayed out of foul trouble against the 76ers. Mashack joined the starting lineup and had a quality performance. He continued to be a pest defensively, but the best part of his performance was the 3-point shooting. When Mashack first spoke to local media members inside FedExForum, he stated that he believes his shooting will surprise some people. So far through summer league, he's been right. Mashack made three 3-pointers against the 76ers and looked confident shooting. He finished with 13 points on 4-for-9 shooting overall. There's no understating the importance of Mashack's growth as a shooter. It's his ticket to a long and impactful NBA career. He was arguably the best perimeter defender in the 2025 draft class, so that's where he's expected to make the biggest difference. However, if he can consistently knock down 3-pointers, Memphis may have found a steal with the last pick of the draft. Vying for a spot? With the usual starters out, several other players had a chance to make a bigger impact. Tyler Burton took advantage of that opportunity as much as anyone. The 6-foot-7 forward led the Grizzlies with 23 points. He knocked down five 3-pointers and shot 6-for-11 overall. The Grizzlies have a crowded group of forwards on the roster, but Burton's performance will be something to monitor through the remainder of summer league action. What's next The Grizzlies now will head to the Las Vegas summer league tournament. Memphis will play four games before vying for a chance to win the championship. Last season, Memphis lost in the championship game against the Miami Heat. Summer league action in Las Vegas begins on July 10, but the Grizzlies will play their first game on July 11 against the Boston Celtics (3 p.m., NBA TV). Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grizzlies summer league highlights: Jahmai Mashack, Memphis takeaways
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Three takeaways from GG Jackson, Memphis Grizzlies in summer league loss vs Utah Jazz
The Memphis Grizzlies were tested on July 7 against one of the most experienced rosters participating in the NBA summer league. 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 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
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How Memphis Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo is unlocking a new level for GG Jackson's game
LAS VEGAS — Memphis Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo sees the potential in GG Jackson. The same potential that led to Jackson once being the top prospect in high school basketball and a dynamic scorer as a rookie. So when Iisalo took over as Grizzlies coach, Jackson remembers the coach coming up to him and sharing a goal. The goal was fixated after Iisalo watched Jackson struggle mentally as he dealt with a lack of playing time last season. Advertisement "He told me last year when I was stuck in my head a lot that I'm (going to) coach you the hardest because I don't want to be that guy that looks back in 20 years like, 'Ah, that GG Jackson kid could have been something,'" Jackson said. "He lets me know that he's not going to let me fall, so that's why I rock with him so much." Now Iisalo's doing what most NBA coaches don't. He's coaching the Grizzlies himself during summer league action, and Jackson is one of those players benefitting. Through his first two games, Jackson has been impressive. Jackson is averaging 23.5 points while shooting 57.6% from the field. GG Jackson's new mentality His success is in part due to a renewed mindset. Iisalo has emphasized the 6-foot-9 Jackson attacking the basket more with an aggressive mentality. Advertisement As a result, Jackson has been going to the basket with force. There have been fewer floaters and more two-handed power dunks. He's also put an emphasis on doing more with less by essentially eliminating wasted movement. "This year I've been trying to get downhill, and it's limited dribbles as possible," Jackson said. "Trying to make sure I'm not doing too much and when I do do too much ... just trying to eliminate those little things." Assistant coach Jason March is also credited with making sure Jackson has an above-the-rim mindset when attacking. The coaches pointed out how Jackson would sometimes shift away from the basket and shy away from contact on layups. Even when it worked, it wasn't a recipe for success. Jackson shot well below league average around the rim, finishing 47.4% of his shots in the restricted area. By comparison, league average was 66.4%, according to shotcreator's tracking data. Advertisement "I'm not going to get that many calls because the refs see how big I am, so just being able to finish through contact," Jackson said. "It'll intimidate the defender a little bit more to back up, or they'll just foul me and I can just get to the free-throw line." Jackson is one of several wings on the Grizzlies roster vying for a starting spot left vacant after Memphis traded Desmond Bane. The 20-year-old may not be the favorite to land that spot just yet, but he knows what he has to do in order to maximize his opportunity and at least create a consistent rotation role. Jackson wants to be a position-less player who can be plugged in anywhere. If he grabs a defensive rebound, he wants to be a player who pushes the ball in transition. He's also fine with setting a screen and rolling to the rim. But beyond the offensive side, Jackson's role will be dependent on his defensive progress. Defense was Jackson's main weakness last season that ultimately led to him not being in the rotation. Advertisement Now, Jackson is motivated to become a versatile defender capable of guarding one through four and competing against fives. "Obviously not there yet, but with this summer league, I feel like we're taking the right steps toward that," Jackson said. Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Why Memphis Grizzlies' GG Jackson is playing well in summer league
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 takeaways from Memphis Grizzlies' Las Vegas Summer League debut, loss to Boston Celtics
LAS VEGAS — A packed Cox Pavilion tuned in as the Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics made their Las Vegas Summer League debuts on July 11. This was the fourth overall summer league game for the Grizzlies after three in Utah, but they didn't look like the more experienced team. Advertisement The Celtics controlled most of the game. Neither team shot well, but Boston capitalized on more misses by winning the offensive rebounding battle and forcing turnovers. There were too many mistakes for the Grizzlies in a 92-78 loss. Four Memphis starters scored in double figures, led by GG Jackson's 16 points. Here are three takeaways from the loss. Three rookies missing in action Rookies Cedric Coward, Jahmai Mashack and Javon Small all missed the game against the Celtics. Coward hasn't been with the Grizzlies in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas while he continues to get back to full strength recovering from a shoulder injury. Advertisement Small has a groin injury that has kept him out of the past three games. Mashack showed signs of progression in his first two appearances, but he missed the July 11 game due to a hamstring injury. Of the three absences, Small's was the most noticeable on the floor. Memphis is using mostly non-traditional players at point guard, with Small inactive. This led to sloppy ball movement and offensive possessions at times without a catalyst. The Grizzlies finished with 19 turnovers. A balanced day Memphis got a lot of balanced production from many of its starters. No one stood out as having a great game, but Armando Bacot, Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer and Jackson were all solid for the most part. Advertisement With Small out and Boston's defense pressuring the Grizzlies, Memphis used Bacot to start a lot of offense. Each of the five starters finished with at least two assists. Older Grizzlies players showing support Zach Edey, John Konchar, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Scotty Pippen Jr. were among the Grizzlies players in attendance supporting their teammates. They sat courtside on a row that included Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman and vice president of basketball affairs Tayshaun Prince. Edey was sporting a boot on his left ankle after having surgery earlier this summer. He and Pippen signed autographs for kids before the game and during halftime. Advertisement Grizzlies players have made a habit of going to summer league, supporting and working out with teammates. It's unclear if more will be in attendance during the next week. What's next Memphis will be back in action on July 12 against the Portland Trail Blazers (9:30 p.m. CT, ESPN2). If the Grizzlies hope to have a chance at winning a summer league title, they would need to win out and beat teams comfortably. Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies summer league highlights, stats vs Boston Celtics
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Three takeaways from Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies' summer league win vs OKC Thunder
The Memphis Grizzlies opened up summer league action and got off to a strong start on July 5. GG Jackson and Jaylen Wells combined for 40 points, leading the Grizzlies to a 92-80 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Advertisement Memphis was shorthanded, but it had enough firepower to pull out the victory. The Grizzlies ramped up the defensive intensity and held OKC to 7-for-23 shooting on 3-pointers. Jackson and Wells each scored 20 points to lead the Grizzlies. Here are three takeaways from the summer league win. A new and improved Jaylen Wells Wells wanted an expanded role in the summer, and he got that against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Wells was a ball handler in pick-and-roll situations and took advantage early. While his playmaking still needs work, he showed potential and got reps that he didn't get much during his rookie season. Advertisement Wells finished the game with 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. He also hounded opponents with ball pressure on defense, further ensuring his role as a defensive stopper. Cam Spencer, GG Jackson impressions While Wells was already an expected contributor in Memphis, Jackson and Cam Spencer both entered summer league action with something to prove. Jackson did so by producing a strong scoring effort. The key for Jackson will be efficiency. He's proven that he can score, but sometimes the volume of shots is not conducive to what Memphis wants. That wasn't the case against the Thunder. Spencer is known for his 3-point shooting, but his full offensive game was on display against OKC. He finished with 14 points and added five assists. His ability to contribute without relying on 3-pointers will unlock his game to new levels. Advertisement First look at Javon Small Cedric Coward didn't play while he continues to nurse a shoulder injury, and Jahmai Mashack is out while a pending trade finalizes, but Memphis fans did get to see one of its three draft acquisitions. Javon Small made his debut against the Thunder. Small came off the bench but still produced a team-high six assists in 19 minutes to go with four points. His scoring and defense were notable strengths through the draft process, but he said he believes he's an underrated playmaker. Through one game, he's proving himself right. What's next Memphis will get a day off before returning to Salt Lake City summer league action on Monday against the Utah Jazz. Advertisement Many of the players who participated against OKC should be expected to play. Mashack's trade could be completed by July 7, which would clear the way for his summer league debut. Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies summer league highlights, stats vs OKC Thunder
