Jackson Jr. Scores 30 Points, Grizzlies Defeat Magic 107-106

Paolo Banchero stood out with 27 points, supported by Wendell Carter Jr. with 20 points and nine rebounds. Franz Wagner added 18 points, but their efforts couldn’t prevent the Magic’s slump, losing seven of their last nine games.

“I trust Joe to hit that shot,” Banchero said. “I thought it was going in. It looked good, but it rattled out.”

The game also saw Jalen Suggs exit early with a bruised left knee in the opening quarter, with further assessments awaited upon the team’s return to Orlando, as stated by Magic coach Jamahl Mosley.

“I don’t know if you can ask for a better look at the end of the game,” Mosley said.

A significant moment came in the third quarter when the Grizzlies established a double-digit lead, which they extended to 11 points in the fourth quarter. However, the Magic, driven by Banchero’s 12 points in the final quarter, nearly overturned the deficit. His crucial 3-pointer brought Orlando within two points of Memphis, and Wagner’s free throws later narrowed the gap to just one point.

The game’s climax saw Orlando force a shot-clock violation, setting up a final possession. Banchero’s pass to Joe Ingles for a potential game-winning three-pointer narrowly missed, leaving the Magic just short.

Despite the close call, Memphis player Jackson acknowledged the tension of the final moments, especially Ingles’ near-successful attempt. The Grizzlies’ home record improved to 5-15, contrasting with their stronger away record of 13-12.

“We’ve been playing against Joe Ingles so many times,” Jackson said. “I remember playing against Joe Ingles in Utah, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him miss (a shot) like that.”

With Ja Morant absent for the season and fellow point guards Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose also sidelined, Kennard has stepped up to guide the offense, contributing to the team’s total of 30 assists in the game.

“We’ve been telling each other to continue to play with the pass,” Kennard said. “Continue to move the ball. I think we’ve done a really good job over the past few games.”

Williams also shone, hitting 70% of his shots, including half of his three-point attempts, as Memphis successfully made 36.6% of their 3-point shots.

The first half was marked by multiple lead changes and ties, exacerbated by Banchero’s early foul trouble and Suggs’ injury. A late surge by Memphis gave them a nine-point lead at the break, their largest half lead.

Looking ahead, the Magic are set to host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, while the Grizzlies will face the Indiana Pacers away.