Grizzlies Fall to Magic in NBA’s German Debut Despite Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 30-Point Night
The Memphis Grizzlies made history Thursday, suiting up for the NBA’s first-ever regular-season game in Germany. But while the setting was new, the result was all too familiar: another tough loss in a season full of them. Memphis came up short against the Orlando Magic, 118-111, despite a big-time performance from Jaren Jackson Jr., who poured in 30 points to lead all scorers.
Jackson Jr. was locked in from the jump, carrying the offensive load for a Grizzlies team that continues to battle through injuries and inconsistency. He was efficient, aggressive, and confident-everything Memphis needed him to be. But the help just wasn’t there.
Outside of JJJ, the Grizzlies’ starting lineup struggled to generate much offense. Jaylen Wells, Jock Landale, and Cam Spencer combined for just 15 points, and without a consistent secondary scoring option, Memphis couldn’t keep pace with an Orlando team that’s been one of the East’s most pleasant surprises this season.
The bright spot? The bench came to play.
GG Jackson made the most of his minutes, finishing with 15 points and a +21 in the box score-an eye-popping stat that speaks to the energy and impact he brought when he was on the floor. Santi Aldama added 18 points of his own, continuing to show why he’s earned a steady role in the rotation.
It was also a reunion of sorts for Desmond Bane, who faced his former team for the first time. Bane chipped in 13 points, but it was clear this game belonged to Orlando from the second half on.
Memphis shot a respectable 46% from the field, but the lack of balance on offense made it tough to string together enough runs to flip the script. With the loss, the Grizzlies drop to 17-23 on the season-still within striking distance of the Play-In picture, but running out of margin for error.
The good news? They won’t have to wait long for a shot at redemption.
The Grizzlies and Magic will run it back on Sunday, this time in London. Tip-off is set for 11 a.m. local time.
Another international stage, another opportunity to make a statement.