Chris Paul faces a rookie G.J. Jackson for the first time on Wednesday while Warriors of the Golden State welcomed the Memphis Grizzliesand the future Hall of Famer called it a learning experience.
That’s because Jackson played on his AAU team, Team CP3, in North Carolina two years ago alongside Rob Dillingham, Aden Holloway and others. Paul and Jackson maintained a strong friendship during this period and remained in touch.
Paul missed the first two games against Jackson with a wrist injury, but responded Wednesday with 12 points, 14 assists and two rebounds off the bench in the 137-116 victory. Above all, Paul was proud to share the field with Jackson.
The most rewarding thing tonight was GG Jackson. …GG is an incredible kid. We played Memphis twice this year, and I was injured in both of those games, so before the game it was crazy. Sometimes he still calls me coach. He hit a 3 in my face earlier in the game and I was pissed. Our AAU program is truly like a family, so being on the field playing against him is something I will never get used to. It’s kind of a surreal moment.
“Sometimes he still calls me coach.”
Chris Paul reflects on his match against his former CP3 AAU team player, GG Jackson ????️ pic.twitter.com/7MOxB3bWTh
-NBA (@NBA) March 21, 2024
Jackson responded with his best game as a professional, producing a career-high 35 points, five rebounds and three assists. He made 11 of 19 from the field, including 7 of 14 from 3-point range, in 35 minutes in his sixth start of the season.
He is the seventh rookie with multiple 30-point games this season and has become youngest player in history make seven 3-pointers in a game (19 years, 94 days).
One of those 3 fell on Paul, which the veteran didn’t appreciate.
“I know I won’t hear the end of it,” Paul said. “What was wrong with him?” 35? Was that a career high? Man, that’s a little (expletive). Him, along with all the other guys that have come through our program, is probably the most fulfilling, knowing he’s going to have a long career in this league.
Jackson is averaging 13.4 points and 3.7 rebounds on 37.3% 3-point shooting in 36 games this season. He is fourth among rookies in scoring average and became the youngest player to record 25 points coming off the bench on February 8.
The Grizzlies have been impressed with Jackson since the 45th pick entered the rotation in January. They rewarded him with a four-year contract and believe he has a bright future ahead of him.
