Oct 14, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) boxes out Indiana Pacers forward Enrique Freeman (8) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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Zach Edey’s 23-Point Performance in 19 Minutes Signals Bright Future for Grizzlies

Zach Edey shines as the Memphis Grizzlies rookie takes on the Indiana Pacers, showcasing his potential ahead of the NBA regular season.

The Memphis Grizzlies hit the road on Monday for a preseason matchup against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Zach Edey, still gearing up for his NBA debut, continued to increase his playing time as the regular season approaches. So, how did the rookie perform in this game?

Edey had missed much of the summer due to an ankle injury that kept him on the sidelines. However, he did manage to play in a couple of Summer League games, impressing with 14 points and 15 rebounds in his debut. Unfortunately, he was forced to sit out again after another injury on July 18.

Zach Edey tonight:

23 points
9 rebounds
10/15 FG
(18 minutes)

Looking like a man amongst boys 🔥

pic.twitter.com/1KOHOR76oS
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 15, 2024

That setback appears to be mostly behind him now, as Edey is showing strong form in the preseason.

Here’s a look at Zach Edey’s performance against Indiana:

Zach Edey’s stats vs. Pacers:

Points: 23
FG: 10-for-15
Rebounds: 9
Assists: 1
Steals: 1
Blocks: 0
Turnovers: 1
Fouls: 0
Minutes: 19

Edey shines with standout performance

With most of the usual stars resting for both teams, Edey took center stage, scoring 23 points and grabbing nine rebounds to lead Memphis to a 120-116 preseason victory over Indiana. This was Edey’s first professional game back in the state where he had earned two national player of the year honors during his time at Purdue.

Edey made 10 of his 15 shots from the field in less than 19 minutes of play. The ninth overall pick in this year’s NBA draft is currently averaging 13.5 points and 7.3 rebounds across four preseason games.

As for the Pacers, who were without key players such as All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, T.J. McConnell, Aaron Nesmith, and Pascal Siakam, they were led by Jarace Walker, who scored 15 points. Myles Turner, Bennedict Mathurin, and Ben Sheppard each added 12 points, with eight Pacers finishing in double figures.

When is Memphis Grizzlies’ next game?

The Grizzlies will play their preseason finale at home, hosting the Miami Heat on Friday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m. ET.

Image Credit: © Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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Zach Edey

Natasha Bose

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