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With Ja Morant sidelined, Jaren Jackson Jr. picks up slack to lead Grizzlies over Suns

Ja Morant wasn't available Sunday night. For most of the season, that occurrence has led to bad results.

Not this time.

The Memphis Grizzlies rallied behind Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart for a 121-115 win against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.

Jackson led the Grizzlies with 28 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Smart had 25 points, six rebounds and eight assists, and Bane had 23 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Here are some takeaways from the game.

Ja Morant injury doesn't slow Grizzlies down

The Grizzlies announced less than an hour before the game that Morant would be out due to right shoulder soreness. He sat on the bench during the game with his right shoulder in a sling. Meanwhile, the Suns added Kevin Durant back to their lineup, which gave them their preferred starting group. The Grizzlies played with excellent defensive intensity and energy. Phoenix having all of its top scorers available wasn't enough.

Jaren Jackson Jr. takes advantage of mismatch

The previous time the Grizzlies played the Suns, on Dec. 2, Jackson scored 37 points and looked unstoppable. He remembered how dominant he was and came out with the same aggression on Sunday. Jackson relentlessly attacked the smaller Suns lineup to get easy finishes around the rim. He had 18 points in the first half.

Foul trouble was the only thing that could limit Jackson. He picked up his fourth foul early in the third quarter and sat until the fourth. The Suns went on a 12-0 run late in the third quarter while he was out.

Vince Williams Jr. returns and makes a difference

Morant may have been out, but the Grizzlies got back one of their most impactful reserves. Vince Williams Jr. came off the bench and was a major reason why they pulled off the upset. He finished with 19 points and nine rebounds.

What's next

The Grizzlies have one game remaining on their three-game road trip. They will play the Mavericks on Tuesday (7:30 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast) in Dallas. The Mavericks have won two of the first three meetings this season.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Jaren Jackon Jr. leads Memphis Grizzlies, without Ja Morant, over Suns