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GG Jackson scores 23, leads Grizzlies reserves to upset win over Warriors on MLK Day
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- GG Jackson scores 23, leads Grizzlies reserves to upset win over Warriors on MLK Day
The unpredictability of the Memphis Grizzlies was working in their favor.
As the Golden State Warriors played against the Grizzlies for the first time this season, many of the Memphis familiar faces of the rivalry's previous meetings were not in uniform. Desmond Bane was on the bench in crutches, Ja Morant 's right arm was in a sling and Steven Adams continues to recover from surgery.
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Memphis built a double-digit fourth quarter lead behind the youth movement of Vince Williams Jr. , GG Jackson and Jacob Gilyard leading the way. Seven Grizzlies scored in double figures as the Grizzlies (15-25) knocked off the Warriors 116-107 on Monday at FedExForum.
Draymond Green made his return from a lengthy suspension and came off the bench. Stephen Curry paced the Warriors (18-22), but the Grizzlies bench made the difference.
Four Grizzlies reserves scored in double figures.
High energy, maximum effort
Sure, the Grizzlies had lost their last two games before Monday, but neither defeat was due to lack of effort. Several Grizzlies players took advantage of their additional playing time by making hustle plays against the Warriors. Memphis had 13 steals and 10 blocks against Golden State. The bench scored 57 points.
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Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama return to lineup
Xavier Tillman Sr. may have been as happy as anyone other than Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. Memphis added Santi Aldama and Jaren Jackson Jr. back into the fold after both players missed the previous game. Golden State double-teamed Jackson on drives, which led to him settling for more 3-pointers and passing to teammates when he drove.
Jaren Jackson finished with 18 points on 4-for-20 shooting, but he added four steals and a block.
Guarding Stephen Curry
Curry tightly dribbled the basketball for eight seconds while going one-on-one against William. The FedExForum crowd leaned into the moment as the mild-mannered Williams flashed a smile across his face as Curry fumbled the ball. Curry regrouped and slid past Williams to get a contested layup. After that sequence, Curry fell to the floor and did a shoulder dance in the direction of the Grizzlies bench.
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Williams' face-guarding defense made it tough on Curry to generate looks, but the Warriors star was efficient when he did. Having suspended Draymond Green back also helped with his ability to break down the defense and assist Curry.
MLK DAY: Former athletes talk social justice, empowerment at Grizzlies' MLK Day symposium
What's next
The Grizzlies are heading back on the road for a four-game road trip that begins against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. Memphis has won its last three road games, but this trip will come after losing the past three home games. Memphis is 0-2 against the Timberwolves this season.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grizzlies bench leads the way in upset win over Warriors on MLK Day
