We're not quite in barrel-scrapping territory in the East ... but it's pretty close. Out West, things are more competitive.

Jaren Jackson Jr. showed NBA All-Star talent in clinching what Taylor Jenkins called a statement win over the Rockets.

Jackson Jr., also known as Triple J, received his first All-Star nod in 2023. That same year, he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

Reduced to mere spectators for metropolitan dominance, the Grizzlies (31-16) endured their worst loss of the season. Paced by 21 points from Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis has a chance for a revenge when the Knicks come by on Feb. 28.

Now that he’s got his running mate on the Memphis Grizzlies, Ja Morant, back this season, former Spartan Jaren Jackson Jr. is getting back to his old ways. After a strong week, Jackson Jr. has been named the NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Week.

Knicks Top Performers Mikal Bridges – 28 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds Karl-Anthony Towns – 24 points, 11 rebounds OG Anunoby – 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals Grizzlies Top Performers Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Memphis Grizzlies (31-16) had their six-game winning streak snapped by the New York Knicks (31-16), 143-106, Monday at Madison Square Garden.

Jaren Jackson Jr., the standout center for the Grizzlies ... On the other side, Miles Bridges, a forward for the Hornets and another former Spartan, turned in a solid effort in the losing cause.

Karl-Anthony Towns had 24 points and 11 rebounds, and Jalen Brunson had 20 points and six assists for the Knicks, who scored 143 points for the second straight game and won their fourth straight. New York (31-16) won for the 16th time in its past 22 games.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to stack up the awards. This time, he's adding a new one. Jackson was named the NBA's Western Conference Player of the Week for the first time ...

Jaren Jackson Jr. was struggling through three quarters on Monday. He spent most of that time in foul trouble, struggling to get in a flow. Despite an uncharacteristic showing to that point ...

Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. is a 2025 NBA All-Star reserve for the Western Conference, marking his second All-Star selection.