MILWAUKEE — Jaren Jackson Jr. delivered an impressive performance, scoring 37 points as the Memphis Grizzlies secured a 132-119 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night.
This victory marks Memphis’ seventh consecutive win against the Bucks, with Milwaukee’s last triumph occurring on January 19, 2022, when they triumphed 126-114 on their home court. The Grizzlies managed this success without their star guard Ja Morant, who sat out for the second consecutive game due to a sore right shoulder.
Jackson had a brief exit to the locker room in the first quarter after sustaining an unintentional elbow to the face from Ryan Rollins during a drive. However, he returned to the game for the second quarter and showcased his shooting prowess, hitting 7 out of 13 attempts from beyond the arc.
Despite his strong contributions, the Bucks fell short for the fourth time in five games. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, while Khris Middleton contributed an additional 20 points.
For the Grizzlies, Santi Aldama and Desmond Bane were also significant contributors, scoring 23 and 22 points respectively. Zach Edey added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Scotty Pippen Jr. chipped in with 9 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds.
In terms of key takeaways, the Grizzlies initially struggled during the third quarter but raised their game in the final period, aided by strong performances from Aldama and Pippen off the bench. On the other hand, the Bucks continue to face defensive challenges, having allowed at least 125 points in each of their recent four losses.
A pivotal moment in the game came when Jackson hit two 3-pointers to complete a 10-0 scoring surge, giving Memphis a 108-103 lead and marking their first advantage in the second half early in the fourth quarter. Milwaukee did briefly tie the game at 112 with Antetokounmpo’s 3-pointer, but Aldama quickly responded with a score that put Memphis ahead for good, just 6:14 remaining on the clock.
Furthermore, one of the standout statistics from the game showed Memphis dominating the boards, collecting 61 rebounds to Milwaukee’s 36, and they also outscored the Bucks in the paint with a resounding 66-36 advantage.
Looking ahead, both teams are preparing for games on Monday. The Bucks will hit the road to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are currently leading the Western Conference, while the Grizzlies will host the San Antonio Spurs.
