Jaren Jackson Jr. shines as Western Conference Player of the Week
In a season filled with ups and downs, Jaren Jackson Jr. has turned the narrative on its head, earning the title of Western Conference Player of the Week for the period spanning December 15-21. While his performance was worthy of the accolade, the journey to this recognition has been anything but straightforward. Jackson’s earlier struggles raised eyebrows, but his recent surge against the Clippers, Timberwolves, and Wizards has captured the attention of the league.
Dominating the Stats
In claiming the Player of the Week honors for the second time in his career, Jackson showcased an impressive stat line: 27.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.7 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. Notably, he was the only player in the NBA to average at least 25 points, eight rebounds, a steal, and two blocks during this timeframe. This impressive feat came despite stiff competition from notable finalists such as De’Aaron Fox of the Spurs, who made the All-NBA Cup First Team, Lakers star Luka Doncic, Golden State’s Stephen Curry, and Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards—all of whom had notable scoring weeks.
Jackson’s remarkable performances not only led Memphis to significant victories over the Clippers and Timberwolves but also highlighted his resilience, even in the wake of an unexpected home loss to the Wizards. Earlier this year, he had already garnered Player of the Week recognition for a standout performance in late January of the previous season.
A Turnaround to Remember
Jackson’s recent success comes after a challenging start to December, where he struggled to find his footing. He began the month with an alarming 0-for-11 record from beyond the arc over his first four games, averaging just 9.8 points and 4.3 rebounds during that stretch. However, he flipped the script last week, shooting an impressive 56.5 percent from the field and demonstrating newfound offensive aggression.
His standout performance, a season-high 31-point, five-block game in a decisive 121-103 victory over the Clippers, appears to have marked a turning point. This game not only boosted his confidence but also rekindled hopes that he has rediscovered his rhythm, positioning him as a key player for Memphis moving forward.
Jackson’s Continued Impact
Despite facing challenges this season, Jackson remains a pivotal figure for the Grizzlies, currently leading the team with an average of 18.0 points per game, alongside 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks over 29.6 minutes in 26 starts. His recent five-year, $240 million extension with Memphis underscores the franchise’s commitment to him as a cornerstone player. As a two-time All-Star and the 2022-23 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Jackson joins the ranks of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol as the only players in franchise history to earn multiple Player of the Week awards.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Jackson to see if he can maintain this momentum and continue to be a driving force for the Grizzlies.
