Apr 26, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and forward Jalen Williams (8) defend during the second quarter during game four for the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Former Spartan Struggles in Playoff Series Sweep

Originally posted on Michigan State Spartans on SI
By Tom Cavanaugh | Last updated Apr 27, 2025 3:16 PM ET

Former Michigan State Spartans center Jaren Jackson Jr. went back to the NBA playoffs for the fourth time in his six-year career with the Memphis Grizzlies, but it was a short-lived stint in the postseason. Jackson and the Grizzlies struggled, being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jackson suffered one of the worst games of the entire season in Game 1 of the series, netting just 4 points on 2-13 shooting with three rebounds. The No. 4 overall pick in 2018 bounced back with a 26-point game in Game 2.

Game 3 featured a strong showing from Jackson, meeting his season average with 22 points and seven rebounds. Even with a productive performance, the Grizzlies fumbled a 29-point lead in the second half, losing to the Thunder by 6 points.

Saturday afternoon was the final desperation push for the Grizzlies to try and extend their season, trailing 3-0 in the series. Jackson struggled once again, scoring just 12 points on 3-12 shooting in a 2-point loss that concluded his sixth NBA season and third playoff appearance.

In four playoff games this year, Jackson was a combined 22-for-58 (37.9%) from the field, pulling down 20 total rebounds, six assists and just two blocks. For a veteran center that averaged 22.2 points on 48.8% with 5.6 rebounds a game, the former Spartan was an underwhelming performer.

Jackson is now 1-4 in playoff series in his career, making the second round only once. The Grizzlies have continued to make the playoffs, but fall short in the first few rounds, failing to make a deep run. Jackson's talent is too strong for him to be such a non-factor in postseason basketball.

In 2022, Jackson signed a four-year, $104-million deal that will keep him in Memphis through the 2025-'26 season. With how the Grizzlies have struggled in their last several appearances, they may be looking for a fresh start, potentially moving Jackson elsewhere.

It will be interesting to see how Jackson responds next season. The Grizzlies have been a borderline playoff team for years and require another key piece to get over the hump and become a legitimate contender. Jackson is good enough to lead this team to an NBA Finals appearance, but more is required.

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This article first appeared on Michigan State Spartans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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