Jaren Jackson Jr.'s Scoring Holds Key to Grizzlies' Playoff Hopes

Jaren Jackson Jr. is making a strong case for the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award, leading the league in blocks for the second consecutive season and anchoring the third-ranked defense in the NBA. However, his scoring might ultimately determine the ceiling for the Memphis Grizzlies, who are positioned to enter the playoffs as the Western Conference's second seed. The Grizzlies are 17-6 when Jackson scores at least 20 points this season, and his effectiveness offensively was a major factor in Memphis maintaining its spot in the West standings during Ja Morant's suspension in March.