GG Jackson II stated previously that he wants to prove himself this season with the Memphis Grizzlies, and the 45th pick did just that on Thursday versus the Atlanta Hawks.
With the Grizzlies resting their stars, Jackson produced a game-high 24 points, three rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot in the 103-102 loss. He recorded 10 points alone in the fourth quarter as the Grizzlies nearly overcame a 14-point second-half deficit.
His 24 points are the most scored by a rookie this preseason.
Jackson had the green light to shoot, going 9-of-23 from the field and 4-of-11 from 3-point range, but had the opportunity to play through mistakes to get an extended run. He even hit a clutch 3-pointer to put the Grizzlies up by one point with 59.7 seconds to play.
We got a game. đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/C4ZrmtofSN
— Bally Sports: Grizzlies (@GrizzOnBally) October 13, 2023
Jackson logged a preseason-high 25 minutes in the contest, his third appearance. The team has two games left before beginning the regular season on Oct. 25 and could look to get him more involved as it did against the Hawks.
Jackson signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies and will spend the majority of the season in the G League. The opportunity to play with the Memphis Hustle should help him further develop his game, something he is looking forward to.
“I got a lot to prove, being the youngest on the team,” Jackson said on Oct. 2. “I’m really just looking forward to playing and taking on the challenge of development. It is going to be hard; it isn’t going to be easy. My trainer back in Dallas always told me, ‘The work is hard, but it is fair.’ If I just stick to that phrase, I feel like God will direct me down the right path.”
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261141]