Santi Aldama, Ziaire Williams, and GG Jackson Shine but fall to the Hawks on the Road

The Memphis Grizzlies traveled to Atlanta looking to continue their undefeated preseason campaign with a matchup against the Hawks. Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Derrick Rose all sat out for Memphis, so it would be up to the younger group to lead the way for the Grizzlies against Trae Young and the Hawks starters.

Ziaire Williams continued his strong play early on, opening the game with back-to-back three-point makes and sparking the Grizzlies offense. Williams and his fellow 2021 draftee Santi Aldama combined for 18 of the Grizzlies’ first 25 points. It was a hot start offensively as the Grizzlies shot 55% from the floor and 42% from three and led by two at the end of the first.

The Grizzlies would come back to earth in the second quarter as the lack of guard depth started to hurt the offense. Memphis would end the half with 13 turnovers, nine of them coming in the 2nd. For the Hawks, Trae Young came out of the quarter break on a mission and finished the half with 20 points as the Hawks took a 9-point lead.

At the half, Aldama led the way for Memphis with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Williams also contributed 12 points on 4-7 shooting from beyond the arc. Overall, it was a solid first half for the Grizzlies, who were playing mostly with their bench. In addition to Young, Jalen Johnson scored 14 points in the first half, along with 7 each from Dejounte Murray and Clint Capela.

Both teams emptied their benches in the 2nd half, but it did not change the game’s intensity. Aldama continued his strong play as both a scorer and a playmaker early on in the 3rd quarter. However, it was 18-year-old GG Jackson who stole the show, scoring 11 points in the third quarter and helping the Grizzlies stay in the game.  

The Grizzlies continued to fight back behind more strong play from Jackson in the 4th quarter, and a big three from Vince Williams Jr. cut the Hawks lead to two with 3 minutes left. Williams would go 5-6 from the line over the next three possessions and give the Grizzlies the lead. However, it was not enough as a Miles Norris layup that ended the game as the Grizzlies lost 103-102.

Ziaire is making the case for the 5th starting spot

Coming into the season, there has been a ton of pressure on Ziaire Williams, but so far this preseason, he has lived up to the expectations. Offensively, he has been efficient and much more confident in his shot while continuing to bring much-needed length defensively. He looked really good playing with the 2nd unit tonight, and I expect him to look even better if he is playing with the Grizzlies’ usual starters.

Do it all Santi Aldama

If there was an award for the most improved player since 2021, it would go to Santi Aldama. After getting off to a tough start in the NBA, Aldama has become an above-average role player for this Grizzlies team. He would finish the night with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in just 22 minutes. If the Grizzlies can continue to get this version of Aldama during the regular season, he will be a big reason for their success.

Some great play from the youngest player in the NBA

GG Jackson was seen as a project when he was drafted in the 2nd round this year, but he looks far ahead of schedule early on. After starting 0-5, Jackson would finish the game with 24 points. The efficiency is not there yet, which is not surprising at his age, but the flashes are there, and everyone should be excited about his development.