At 21 years old, GG Jackson is quickly establishing himself as a promising player in the NBA. As the Memphis Grizzlies prepare to face the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis on Sunday, Jackson is entering the final phase of his third season, delivering some of the most reliable performances of his career. Amid a season hampered by injuries to key players including star guard Ja Morant and big man Zach Edey, Jackson has seized the opportunity for increased playing time and responsibility.
Over the last six games, Jackson’s offensive production has stood out, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and one block per game. He achieved personal season highs with 28 points and nine rebounds during a recent game in Miami on February 21. In the Pacers matchup on Friday, Jackson contributed 12 points, three rebounds, and four assists, helping Memphis secure a 124-105 victory over Dallas that ended a three-game losing streak.
Memphis Coach Highlights Jackson’s Growth and Offensive Efficiency
Memphis head coach Tuomas Iisalo praised Jackson’s development throughout the season.
“GG has made big strides throughout the season,”
Iisalo said.
“We talked about it with GG during (the summer league). We said his superpower is getting to the paint. He’s been doing a great job of touching the paint. His (offensive) efficiency is (at a) career high right now. How he’s finishing in those situations is a testament to his hard work.”
Jackson, who missed a significant portion of last season due to injury, has notably improved his shooting from beyond the arc. During the recent six-game stretch, he has converted 48% of his three-point attempts, making 12 of 25 shots, which has lifted his season average to 34.7%. Iisalo also noted a simpler style of play emerging in Jackson’s game, accompanied by improved passing that was evident in back-to-back games against New Orleans and Minnesota, where Jackson achieved five assists each night.
“Offensively, he’s playing well off the catch and finding the open guys,”
Iisalo commented.
“He still has to toggle between the right amount of aggressiveness and patience.”
Increased Opportunities Following Jaren Jackson Jr. Trade
The recent trade sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah has further increased GG Jackson’s on-court minutes. While he has yet to mirror the defensive prowess that earned Jaren Jackson the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023, signs of improvement are clear.
“Defensively, (GG has) improved as a point-of-attack defender,”
Iisalo said.
“There are still some things that he needs to do better on the defensive end: being on a string, having that defensive awareness, rebounding better for his position. I think it’s very encouraging, the steps he’s making, and offensively, he has become a real weapon.”
Pacers Welcome Obi Toppin’s Return After Injury Hiatus
The Indiana Pacers are seeking a lift from the return of forward Obi Toppin, who played his first game since late October on Thursday during a 133-109 loss to Charlotte. The six-year NBA veteran, turning 28 this week, appeared in eight minutes, scoring three points and collecting two rebounds following surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle expressed optimism about Toppin’s comeback while recognizing the gradual nature of his recovery. “It was heart-warming,” Carlisle said.
“He brings energy to our team and our situation. It’s great to have him back (but) it’s clear this is going to be a slow process of getting him gradually up to speed. But we need him. We need bodies.”
Toppin Looks Forward to Gaining Momentum on the Court
Toppin is expected to see incremental increases in playing time, starting with the upcoming game against Memphis. Speaking about his return, Toppin said,
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been out there on the floor. To be out there, I felt really good offensively and defensively. Just being out there, I feel like I’m going to find my rhythm.”
What This Means for the Teams Going Forward
GG Jackson’s improved NBA performance has positioned him as a vital asset for the injury-depleted Grizzlies, providing both scoring and defensive contributions at a crucial time. Meanwhile, the Pacers look to Obi Toppin’s return as a potential turning point in their troubled season, hoping his energy and presence will help revive their competitiveness. As the teams meet on Sunday, the matchup offers a key test for Jackson’s developing role and a chance for Toppin to regain his form gradually.
