Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 37 points, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 132-119 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night. The victory marked Memphis’ seventh straight win over Milwaukee, a streak dating back to January 2022.
Jackson shot 12-for-26 from the field and hit seven three-pointers, shaking off an early injury scare after taking an accidental elbow to the face. Memphis improved to 33-16 on the season while playing without Ja Morant, who missed his second consecutive game with a sore shoulder.
The Bucks struggled defensively once again, losing for the fourth time in five games despite a strong performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists but shot 0-for-6 from the free-throw line.
Santi Aldama came off the bench to score 23 points, while Desmond Bane added 22 for Memphis. Zach Edey contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Scotty Pippen Jr. recorded nine points, 10 assists, and five rebounds.
Milwaukee trailed by three after the first quarter but took control in the second and third, leading by as many as 10. However, the Grizzlies dominated the final period, outscoring the Bucks 39-20 while controlling the glass.
Khris Middleton scored 20 points for Milwaukee, and Brook Lopez added 15, but the Bucks’ defensive struggles continued. They have now allowed at least 125 points in four straight losses, an issue that has plagued them in recent weeks.
Memphis won the rebounding battle 61-36 and outscored Milwaukee 66-36 in the paint. The Grizzlies’ relentless effort inside proved to be the difference, as they pulled away late despite shooting just 63.6% from the free-throw line.
Jackson, who has stepped up in Morant’s absence, hit two key three-pointers early in the fourth to put Memphis ahead for good. Aldama and Pippen provided crucial contributions off the bench, helping the Grizzlies improve to 8-1 in their last nine games.
Milwaukee, now 26-21, will look to bounce back in its next matchup, but the defensive lapses remain a concern. With the playoff race heating up, the Bucks must address their struggles on that end of the floor.
