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'I like him a lot'; Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard have high praise for GG Jackson
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- 'I like him a lot'; Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard have high praise for GG Jackson
Bucks guard Damian Lillard remembers the last time he watched the Grizzlies play before Thursday night's Bucks-Grizzlies game at FedExForum.
And he remembers watching GG Jackson score a then-career high 23 points, helping lift the Grizzlies to an unlikely win over the Warriors on MLK Day . On Thursday, Jackson led the Grizzlies to an even more unlikely win, again on national television. This time, with NBA fans watching on TNT, Jackson scored 27 points to help Memphis pull off a 113-110 upset win over a Milwaukee team with title aspirations .
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"I thought he had a great game," Lillard said postgame. "He came out, he was letting it fly, no hesitation. It's funny because the last time I watched Memphis play, they played, I think a TV game against Golden State, and it seemed like he did the exact same thing. You give young players confidence to start the game, let them get comfortable, or any player, it's going to be become a problem."
Grizzlies' GG Jackson (45) laughs as Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) holds his hand while guarding him during the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday, February 15, 2024.
Jackson has been a bright spot in an otherwise lost season for the Grizzlies . Memphis has dealt with an injury crisis and has been without Ja Morant , Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart for extended periods of time. On Thursday, the Grizzlies had 10 players out, including the entirety of what would probably be their first-choice starting lineup if everyone was healthy.
Jackson got going early, scoring 19 first-half points off the bench to get the Grizzlies into halftime tied. The Bucks erased a 10-point Grizzlies lead and had a lead down the stretch, but Jackson hit two 3-pointers and gave the Grizzlies a lead with 2:44 to play they never relinquished.
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"I like him a lot," Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo said. "He's going to be a very good player in this league. He's a rookie, right?"
(Yes.)
"How old is he?"
(19, the youngest player in the NBA).
"Very good player, man. Very good player. Not scared. Not scared of the big moment. Made tough shots. Can move his feet. Very long player. He has a bright future in this league. He's an extremely good player."
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard have high praise for GG Jackson
