Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day is a big day for the NBA.
However much more so for the Memphis Grizzlies.
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The FedEx Discussion board, house of the Grizzlies, is lower than a mile away from The Nationwide Civil Rights Museum (constructed across the Lorraine Motel), which is the location the place Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
The town’s ties to Dr. King are deep, which is why the NBA shines its’ highlight on the Grizzlies yearly on this special occasion.
The Grizzlies beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-106, extending their successful streak to 5 on MLK Day.
Their final loss on the vacation got here in January of 2020 proper earlier than the NBA shutdown.
Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way in which for Memphis as they out-dueled Anthony Edwards.
Morant completed with 19 factors, 7 assists and 5 rebounds, whereas Jackson Jr. completed with 24 factors and 11 rebounds, to go along with 2 blocks.
Of Jackson Jr.’s 24 factors, 15 got here within the fourth, because the Grizzlies rallied for a comeback win.
Edwards had an opportunity to win the sport with a 3 as time expired, however was off, and the Grizzlies held on.
Taking part in on MLK Day is an emblem of pleasure for the Memphis neighborhood, a accountability that Jackson Jr. does not take frivolously.
The previous Defensive Participant of The 12 months has been a powerful advocate for the Memphis neighborhood, not too long ago donating $50,000 to the Nationwide Civil Rights Museum’s Youth Schooling Fund.
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He mirrored on what he is taken most from King’s legacy.
“It made me take care of different individuals, have empathy and perceive that it’s greater than me,” Jackson advised Damichael Cole of Memphis Industrial Enchantment.
“I used to be all the time going to take care of individuals regardless. However particularly, my individuals.
“He wasn’t lashing out when he was getting demise threats.
“He was nonetheless understanding that he has to guide a bunch of individuals. He can’t simply wild out.”
On Monday, it was Jackson Jr. who proved to be the catalyst to push the Grizzlies to victory.
Memphis improved to 28-15, good for third within the West.
In the meantime, Minnesota fell to 22-21, good for tenth.