Jaren Jackson Jr. showcased his dominance on both ends of the floor Sunday night, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 136-121 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
His 25 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks were instrumental in helping Memphis erase a 19-point first-half deficit, securing their sixth consecutive win in the process.
Ja Morant added his signature playmaking flair, contributing 19 points and eight assists, while Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane each chipped in 16 points. The victory not only extended Memphis’ winning streak but also highlighted their resilience after a rough start to the game.
Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 19 points and nine rebounds. Despite six Pacers scoring in double figures, including Pascal Siakam’s 17 points and six assists, and Obi Toppin’s 16 points and eight rebounds, Indiana couldn’t sustain their early momentum in the second half.
A bright spot for Indiana was the return of Andrew Nembhard, who had been sidelined with left knee inflammation. Nembhard made an immediate impact, scoring 14 points in the first half and helping the Pacers build a commanding double-digit lead. However, his absence in the second half due to a minutes restriction left Indiana vulnerable as Memphis mounted their comeback.
The Pacers came out firing, shooting 60% from the field in the first half and racking up 68 points, their highest first-half total this season. Despite their offensive outburst, Indiana couldn’t maintain their efficiency after the break, allowing Memphis to seize control.
Memphis, on the other hand, struggled with poor shooting in the opening quarter but gradually found their rhythm. By the game’s end, the Grizzlies shot 53% from the field and hit 16 of 46 three-pointers, a testament to their offensive adjustments and persistence.
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The pivotal moment came in the third quarter when Memphis outscored Indiana 40-23. Ja Morant and Jaylen Wells ignited the Grizzlies’ offense, pushing the pace and slicing into the Pacers’ once-formidable lead. Their relentless energy on both ends of the court turned the tide decisively in Memphis’ favor.
A critical factor in Indiana’s collapse was the containment of Tyrese Haliburton. Averaging 25.5 points over his previous four games, Haliburton was held to just eight points on 3-of-10 shooting. The Grizzlies’ defensive pressure effectively neutralized one of Indiana’s primary offensive weapons, disrupting their flow in the second half.
The victory further solidifies Memphis’ position as a rising force in the Western Conference. Their ability to recover from large deficits and maintain composure under pressure has become a hallmark of their recent success.
Meanwhile, Indiana will need to regroup and find answers to their second-half struggles. Despite a promising start, their inability to close out games against top-tier competition remains a concern as they prepare for a challenging stretch ahead.
Next up, the Pacers travel to Toronto on Tuesday night to face the Raptors, aiming to bounce back from this tough loss. The Grizzlies, riding high on their winning streak, head to Dallas to take on the Mavericks, eager to keep their momentum alive.
With their current form, Memphis is proving they can contend with the best, and Sunday’s comeback against Indiana serves as yet another example of their growing maturity and resilience on the court.
