Jackson Jr. dominates offensively and defensively, fueling the Grizzlies' December surge and securing his second Player of the Week award.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s steady climb this season reached another milestone Monday, with the Memphis Grizzlies big man rewarded for a dominant week that reasserted his place among the Western Conference’s most impactful players.
Jackson was named the NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Week for games played from Dec. 15 through Dec. 21 after anchoring Memphis to a 2-1 record during that stretch. It marked the second time in his career Jackson has received the honor, with his first coming in January 2025.
Jackson’s recognition followed his most productive three-game run of the season, both statistically and in terms of influence on winning. He averaged 27.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in 32.7 minutes per game, while consistently setting the defensive tone for a Grizzlies team searching for stability amid a challenging season.
The award also reflected a clear turning point after a slower start to the year. Jackson’s offensive rhythm and defensive timing came together over the course of the week, allowing him to impact games on both ends without sacrificing efficiency or discipline.
That surge began with a standout road performance against the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 15, when Jackson poured in a season-high 31 points while swatting five shots in a 121-103 win. It was his most complete game of the season to that point and a reminder of how disruptive he can be when fully engaged defensively.
Two nights later, Jackson followed it up with another strong showing against Minnesota. He finished with 28 points, a season-high 12 rebounds and three blocks in a 116-110 victory over the Timberwolves, continuing a trend of asserting himself early and sustaining pressure throughout the game.
Even in defeat, Jackson’s impact remained evident. He scored 22 points in a Dec. 20 loss to Washington before fouling out late, still providing consistent interior scoring and rim protection in a game that slipped away down the stretch.
The latest Player of the Week honor places Jackson in rare company within the franchise’s history. He joins Zach Randolph, Ja Morant, Pau Gasol and Marc Gasol as the only Grizzlies players to earn the award multiple times. Randolph received it four times, Morant three times, while both Gasol brothers earned the honor twice.
Jackson’s recognition came alongside Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors for Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, who averaged 31.3 points, 8.0 assists and 5.3 rebounds as New York went 2-1 following its NBA Cup title. Brunson also recently earned NBA Cup MVP honors, making this his second Player of the Week award this season.
In the West, Jackson edged out a competitive field of nominees that included Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert of Minnesota, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City, Nikola Jokic of Denver, and several others who enjoyed strong individual weeks.
For Memphis, Jackson’s award underscores the importance of his role as both a foundational piece and a stabilizing force. When he is producing at this level, the Grizzlies’ margin for error widens considerably. His ability to score efficiently, protect the rim and anchor defensive schemes remains central to Memphis’ hopes of building momentum as the season progresses.
As December winds down, Jackson’s recent stretch stands as a clear signal that his best basketball may still be ahead — and that when he finds his rhythm, the league continues to take notice.