The ball is finding Jaren Jackson Jr. more often, and that’s great news for the Memphis Grizzlies.

If the first half of this test-yourself-against-the-West stretch hasn’t told us much about the Grizzlies, Chris Herrington has found a few potential lessons learned.

The Memphis big man has reached a new chapter in his career. Jackson has the power to play solo star when the Grizzlies need it. 

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JJJ scores 35 points to lead Grizzlies past Mavericks

Box score: Grizzlies 119, Mavericks 104

Both teams were without their starting backcourts due to injuries. Guards Ja Morant and Desmond Bane were out for the Memphis Grizzlies, and Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were out for the Dallas Mavericks.

This is the box score for the NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at FedExForum.

“Before the doubts about his NBA potential loudened, Rookie of the Year contender Zach Edey was in the gym three times a day preparing for his professional opportunity.”

No evidence of Grizzlies interest in Jimmy Butler doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no interest. But if you look closely at the parameters and complications of a potential Butler deal, it still feels pretty unlikely.

The Grizzlies kept the game close throughout but couldn’t overcome the hot 3-point shooting of Golden State. They finished their five-game road trip 2-3. 

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Box score: Warriors 121, Grizzlies 113

NBA box score for the Memphis Grizzlies game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco.

Derrick Rose, the 36-year-old former Memphis Tigers and Grizzlies guard, will become just the fifth Bulls player to have his jersey hang in the United Center rafters.

Hey, Memphians. It’s time to resolve to have fun again in 2025. Go to a Tigers game. Go to a Grizzlies game. Get off your couch and do something.

Memphis rookie and Sacramento native Jaylen Wells scored a career-high 30 points, but the Grizzlies came up six points short against the Kings in a wild, competitive fourth quarter.

This is the box score for the NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Sacramento Kings on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

Will Saturday be the first time brothers Cam Spencer and Pat Spencer play against each other in the NBA?

In honor of the Grizzlies flipping the calendar with a burst of good vibes, here are four Grizzlies things of late that Chris Herrington liked.

The Grizzlies’ two available stars, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, combined for 69 points as Memphis improved to 2-1 on its road trip.

NBA box score for the Memphis Grizzlies’ game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Welcome to the end of 2024. As it relates to the Memphis sports scene, this was a tough year. But there’s hope. Next year could be bountiful for the local teams.

The Memphis Grizzlies received good news Monday after categorizing Ja Morant as week-to-week with a shoulder injury. But can they survive a tough 10-game stretch ahead?

Ja Morant’s status is considered “week-to-week” with what the Grizzlies are now calling a Grade 1 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, the team announced in a medical update Monday evening.

The Grizzlies are dealing with injuries to several key contributors. What will it take to stay afloat during a challenging point in the schedule?

The Grizzlies were thumped by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night raising concerns about a growing injury report. 

NBA box score for Sunday’s game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Grizzlies made a reasonable offer, and were right to do so. It was also reasonable to not offer more.

Marcus Smart and Santi Aldama have missed recent games with injuries. The Grizzlies provided medical updates on both players.