Jaren Jackson Jr. scores 27, Memphis Grizzlies knock off Toronto Raptors on the road
Winning in Toronto hasn't been too much of a hassle for the Memphis Grizzlies in recent seasons. They entered Monday night's game against the Raptors having won their past three games at Scotiabank Arena.
The Grizzlies lost their previous two road games, against the Timberwolves and Bulls, so they weren't ready for their winning streak in Toronto to end. The Grizzlies ended up beating the Raptors 108-100.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 27 points despite playing through foul trouble in the second half.
The Raptors (16-28) got 29 points from RJ Barrett and 22 from Scottie Barnes.
Memphis (16-27) spent most of the second half leading by double digits.
Here are some takeaways from the game.
Jaren Jackson Jr. sets a historic tone
Jackson put his full two-way skill set on display early in a dominant start. He made his first four shots and scored 16 points in the first quarter, but that wasn't even the most impressive part.
Jackson set a franchise record for most steals in a quarter with six. According to Grizzlies PR, he also is just the second player since at least the 1996-97 season to record at least 15 points and five assists in one quarter. Eric Bledsoe accomplished the feat in 2011.
Jackson's strong start pushed the Grizzlies to an early 30-25 lead.
Luke Kennard finding his groove
Luke Kennard struggled with his shooting at the start of the season, but it's safe to say that slump has been over with for a while. After Jackson's stellar first quarter, he went scoreless in the second. That was when Kennard poured in 11 points and made three 3-pointers. The Grizzlies guard has now made multiple 3-pointers in eight straight games.
Memphis needs Kennard to knock down 3-pointers, and he's looking like the player who led the NBA in 3-point percentage in the past two seasons. He's now shooting better than 43% on 3-pointers this season.
Starters get it done
It wasn't just Kennard and Jackson. All five Grizzlies starters had impressive performances. John Konchar had a career-high five blocks, Vince Williams Jr. had 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Santi Aldama added 10 points, four rebounds and four assists before leaving the game due to right knee soreness.
What's next
Memphis finishes this road trip with a game Wednesday against the Heat in Miami (6:30 p.m. CT, Bally Sports Southeast). The Heat won on Nov. 8 in their first meeting this season, 108-102.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Jaren Jackson Jr. scores 27, Memphis Grizzlies knock off Raptors