Chris Paul faced rookie GG Jackson for the first time on Wednesday as the Golden State Warriors hosted the Memphis Grizzlies, and the future Hall of Famer called it a fulfilling experience.
Jackson played on Paul’s AAU team, Team CP3, in North Carolina two years ago alongside Rob Dillingham and Aden Holloway, among others. Paul and Jackson have had a strong friendship over that time and have kept in contact.
Paul missed the first two games against Jackson due to a wrist injury, but he responded on Wednesday with 12 points, 14 assists and two rebounds off the bench in the 137-116 victory. Beyond that, Paul was proud to share the court with Jackson.
The most fulfilling thing about tonight was GG Jackson. … GG is an unbelievable kid. We played at Memphis twice this year, and I was hurt both of those games, so going into the game, it was crazy. Sometimes, he still calls me coach. He hit a 3 in my face earlier in the game and I was pissed. Our AAU program is really like a family, so to be out there on the court playing against him is something I’ll never get used to. It is kind of a surreal moment.
"Sometimes he still calls me coach."
Chris Paul reflects on playing against his former CP3 AAU team player GG Jackson 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/7MOxB3bWTh
— NBA (@NBA) March 21, 2024
Jackson responded with his best game as a professional, producing a career-high 35 points, five rebounds and three assists. He went 11-of-19 from the field, including 7-of-14 from 3-point range, in 35 minutes in his sixth start of the season.
He is the seventh rookie with multiple 30-point games this season, and he became the youngest player in history to hit seven 3-pointers in a game (19 years, 94 days).
One of those 3s came on Paul, which the veteran didn’t appreciate.
“I know I won’t hear the end of that,” Paul said. “What did he have? 35? That was a career high? Man, that is some (expletive). Him, along with all of the other guys who came through our program, is probably the most fulfilling, knowing that he’ll have a long career in this league.”
Jackson is averaging 13.4 points and 3.7 rebounds on 37.3% shooting from 3-point range in 36 games this season. He is fourth among rookies in scoring average and became the youngest player to record 25 points off the bench on Feb. 8.
The Grizzlies have been impressed with Jackson since the 45th pick entered the rotation in January. They rewarded him with a four-year contract and believe he has a bright future ahead.
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