The Warriors edged out the Grizzlies in a nail-biter Monday night at Chase Center, pulling off a 114-113 win that came down to the wire. But while Golden State added another tally to the win column, one of the most intriguing storylines of the night came from the Memphis bench - specifically, from rookie guard Jahmai Mashack.
Mashack, the final pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, made the most of his 22 minutes on the floor, dropping 17 points on an efficient 8-for-10 shooting, including 1-of-2 from beyond the arc. He also chipped in two rebounds, two steals, and an assist - a well-rounded performance that showcased the kind of two-way potential Memphis saw when they signed him to a two-way deal back in November.
The 6-foot-4, 202-pound guard has been bouncing between the Grizzlies and their G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, since the season began. In five games with the Hustle, Mashack averaged 7.6 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.4 steals - numbers that don’t jump off the page until you factor in his defensive impact and the limited sample size. His promotion to the Grizzlies was a bet on upside, and Monday night, he gave the coaching staff a glimpse of what that upside looks like on an NBA floor.
Mashack’s defensive pedigree is no secret. During his four-year run at Tennessee, he carved out a reputation as a lockdown perimeter defender, earning a spot on the 2025 SEC All-Defensive Team and being named a finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. He played in 137 games for the Vols, starting 59, and consistently brought energy, toughness, and a high defensive IQ - traits that are clearly translating to the next level.
Originally from Rancho Cucamonga, California, and a product of Etiwanda High School, Mashack’s journey has been about grit and gradual growth. He wasn’t a one-and-done.
He wasn’t a lottery pick. But he’s proving that there’s still room in the league for players who defend hard, play smart, and make the most of their minutes.
Memphis may have come up just short on the scoreboard, but performances like Mashack’s are wins in their own right - especially for a team navigating injuries and relying on depth to stay competitive. The Grizzlies are back in action Wednesday night in Denver, where they’ll face the Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. EST.