Zach Edey missed his 4th straight summer league game with ankle soreness but for the second straight game, it didn’t matter as the Grizzlies’ defensive intensity proved to be too much for the Dallas Mavericks.
The Grizzlies continued their pace from their 20-point victory on Friday against the Sacramento Kings with an early 13-0 run to begin this matchup. After forcing 31 turnovers against the Kings, the Grizzlies forced 5 turnovers in the first 2 minutes of last night’s game against the Mavericks. The Grizzlies eventually led 25-4 before ending the first quarter leading 30-11 and forcing more turnovers than points given up with 12.
After the Grizzlies took their largest lead of the half at 23 points, the Mavericks responded with a 12-2 run to cut their deficit to 13 points at 38-25. However, the Grizzlies’ starters returned to pick their defensive intensity back up to roll into the half with a 53-34 advantage.
The Grizzlies then opened the second half extending their lead to as many as 34 points and never looked back as they dominated their second game in Las Vegas with a 108-88 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Their dominating defensive performance resulted in 27 forced turnovers, led by a combined 9 steals from Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jake LaRavia. Six players also scored in double figures, led by GG Jackson’s double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Biggest takeaway?
Trey Jemison is making his case as the 5th big
The person who has been the biggest beneficiary of Zach Edey’s absence has been Trey Jemison. In the one summer league game that Edey played, Jemison only played 11 minutes off the bench after starting for the main roster most of the second half of the injury-riddled season for the team. A player that fans were clamoring for before he was signed has become an afterthought but is showing the promise that had fans wanting to sign him months ago.
The 6’10” Jemison was tasked with facing off against the former Ole Miss center, 7’5″ Jamarion Sharp, and more than held his own to begin the matchup as he used his strength to compensate for the height mismatch. After getting his dunk attempt blocked early, Jemison returned the favor with 2 blocks of his own followed by a couple of thunderous dunks to contribute to the Grizzlies’ first-quarter dominance.
Trey Jemison finished the night with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 24 minutes but continued to display the development the team would like to see out of the second-year pro with his screens and rim protection on defense. His two-way contract will be put to good use as he is more than serviceable enough to serve as the Grizzlies’ fifth big in case of injury for short spurts throughout the season.
The Grizzlies return to the court Wednesday at 6:00 PM CST against the Orlando Magic for their third 2K25 (Las Vegas) Summer League game. You can watch the game on ESPN+ and the Grind City Media app.