Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 13 of the Grizzlies’ first 17 points to lead the team to an early 23-14 advantage. The Grizzlies rode that wave, leading by as many as 13 points en route to a 31-20 lead to end the first quarter.
After the Grizzlies pushed their lead to 14 points early in the second quarter, the Hawks responded with a solid defensive effort holding the Grizzlies to 15 points in the quarter to tie the score at 46 at halftime. The Hawks then started the second half making five of their first six shot attempts to take a nine-point lead early in the third quarter at 57-48. After a timeout, the Grizzlies responded with a 9-0 run to tie the score at 57 before the Hawks rebounded with a 12-0 run to lead 69-57.
After an 8-0 response from the Grizzlies to cut their deficit to four, Dejounte Murray scored back-to-back baskets to lead the Hawks to an 80-72 lead late in the third quarter. Vince Williams Jr. led the Grizzlies on a fourth-quarter surge as they started the quarter on a 9-3 run to cut their deficit to 83-81. However, the Hawks had an answer for every Grizzlies run as they held on the rest of the way for a 99-92 victory.
As for the main takeaway:
The recent rise of Jake LaRavia
Jake LaRavia’s career was marred by inconsistent play and injuries during his first two years as a professional at Wake Forest, but his play as of late has been a revelation for the team and its confidence. After being drafted by the Grizzlies with the 19th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, many predicted he could be the extra shooter for a team that was short on shooters and that hasn’t been the case.
In a limited role during his rookie season in which he played in 35 games, Jake LaRavia shot 36.7% on catch-and-shoot opportunities from three on just 1.7 attempts per game. So far this season, he had shot just 24.4 percent on catch-and-shoot opportunities, on threes compared to 2.5 attempts per game in the 18 games he played before the game. ‘last night. Despite the small sample size, it seems likely that LaRavia is not a one-off shooter and was never intended to be its game.
Since his recent return from an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for nearly two months, he has shown his ability to score points as an energetic player off the bench. He has scored in double figures in four of his last seven games played after scoring in double figures just four times total in his 46 career games played until his recent streak. His recent progress includes his career-high 21 points against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 1.
Additionally, Jake LaRavia showed an ability to rebound for a team lacking in that department with a total of 23 rebounds in his last two games before last night’s game. After not only achieving his first double-double of his career, but also back-to-back double-doubles, Jake LaRavia recorded 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals against the Atlanta Hawks.
Jake LaRavia’s recent streak has been the best of his short career and can only boost his confidence as he continues to gain this valuable experience. LaRavia may not be what was expected of him when he was drafted, but sometimes a player just needs time and opportunity and that’s what he’s getting right now and making the most of it.
Start/Stop/Continue
CONTINUE allowing Vince Williams Jr. to be the primary ball handler, as his development in that department will do wonders for the teams future. After notching another game-high six assists, that’s become a norm for him, and the potential of those added skills while playing with the full team will be beneficial when the time comes. Coach Taylor Jenkins credited Vince’s decision-making and ability to run the offense, as he views him as a ball-handling option when the team is fully healthy.
Future
The Grizzlies will return to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder for their second game this season. The Thunder won the first game on December 18 in Oklahoma City.
Final quote
“Dejounte Murray made himself comfortable from the start hitting tough shots. We have to be able to adjust defensively. –Jake LaRavia
