Photo: GG Jackson II scored 24 points to lead the Memphis Hustle in the team’s 113-102 victory over Austin on Thursday night, March 27. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
GG Jackson has been wearing the Memphis Hustle red instead of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Beale Street Blue the past five games as the Grizz want him ready for a stretch run toward the NBA playoffs.
Thursday night, Jackson showed in the second half of the Hustle’s 113-102 win over the Austin Spurs he knows where the basketball needs to go when it’s in his possession.
Jackson’s 24 points paced the Memphis Hustle to its 14th win of the regular season, a win that put the playoff-bound Spurs (21-12) a half-game back of Western Conference-leading Stockton heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
“He’s been a little inconsistent with the Grizzlies,” Hustle coach T.C. Swirsky said after Thursday night’s win. I think there’s no doubt everybody wants GG to make an impact and he can’t do that if he doesn’t contribute to winning. I think tonight we saw that.”
Jackson got help from six Hustle teammates who netted double figures for points. Nate Hinton added 13 rebounds to go with his 13 points for a double-double on the evening. DJ Steward, Yuki Kawamura and David Johnson each scored 16 points.
Austin’s Malachi Flynn matched Jackson’s 24 points to lead the Spurs in the contest, which came two nights after a 130-93 Austin beatdown to he Hustle..
Swirsky said his team took the Tuesday loss personally, and despite not playing for the playoffs, Thursday’s appearance still meant something.
“We don’t technically have anything to play for from a standings or playoff perspective, but just personal pride, playing for each other, playing for your brothers,” Swirsky said. “I had no doubt that we were going to respond tonight.”
Memphis outscored Austin 27-21 in the first quarter but the Spurs took control of the second quarter, a half that did end on a Hinton rebound tip-in to cut the margin to 54-52 Spurs at the break.
A 12-point advantage in the final quarter helped the Hustle pull away for the win.
“I think tonight we kind of wanted it more than them,” Swirsky said. “We executed better down the stretch, offensively, defensively, and some guys gave us a huge, huge spark, adding that Jackson added a key spark in the final quarter.
“In the second half, we put the ball in his hands and he was able to get to the free throw line and make winning plays when it mattered,” Swirsky said.
The Hustle’s regular season finale is at 12 noon Saturday at the Landers Center against the Mexico City Capitanes.
Northpoint: Goals scored by Maverick Ray, Roman Tims, Josh Oigbokie, and Charlie Varucchi.
NBA G League basketball
Memphis Hustle 113, Austin Spurs 102
SPORTS ETC.:
Lady Gators volleyball honored by Legislature
Mar 26, 2025- The Mississippi State Senate on Wednesday, March 26 honored the Lake Cormorant volleyball team and head coach Christina Morgan for winning their third MHSAA 6A state title.
Senate Resolution 126, commending the Lake Cormorant High School Lady Gators Volleyball Team, was presented to them for winning their third straight MHSAA 6A state volleyball championship.
On Oct. 17, 2024, the Lady Gators swept Hancock 25-21, 25-19 and 25-13 to win their third consecutive title.
