Zach Edey injures ankle, but Memphis Grizzlies cruise to fourth straight summer league win

The summer league Memphis Grizzlies nearly felt whole again. First-round pick Zach Edey returned to compete with a team that had built a strong 3-0 record in Las Vegas during his absence.

Edey's return was short-lived but the Grizzlies' success wasn't. The New Orleans Pelicans gave them a challenge as they entered halftime Thursday with the score tied. A 10-2 run to start the third quarter gave the Grizzlies some wiggle room, and they never trailed again in a dominant 88-77 win at Thomas & Mack Center.

New Orleans got back within five in the fourth quarter, but the Grizzlies responded with an 11-0 run.

Grizzlies forward GG Jackson continued to excel, finishing with 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. has dazzled with pressuring defense and offensive playmaking. He had 17 points and 11 assists. Rookie wing Jaylen Wells knocked down three 3-pointers and finished with 15 points.

Memphis is 4-0 in Las Vegas and will play a semifinal game Saturday, inching closer to a chance at a summer league championship.

Here are some takeaways from Thursday's game.

Zach Edey injured in Grizzlies return

Edey returned and made a notable impact for the Grizzlies, who fed the 7-foot-4 big man early and often. He scored the first two points for Memphis and had six total in the first quarter to go with two rebounds and a block. His size and skill command attention, which leads to open shots for his teammates. The Pelicans also thought twice nearly every time they had a run to the basket, with Edey being the final line of defense.

Then he was injured. He left in the second quarter and did not return. The Grizzlies were cautious after Edey rolled his ankle on July 8 in a Salt Lake City Summer League game and he missed the next five games. Considering their approach in that situation, it's fair to wonder if we have seen the last of Edey for summer league play.

GG Jackson is becoming an alpha

Jackson has played with confidence throughout summer league, and he's starting to look like the guy. He's becoming the player who, when the offense is sputtering or the shot clock is winding down, you want to get the ball in his hands.

He has shown the ability to hit spot-up shots and create off the dribble. He flashed signs of playmaking Thursday that included a nice drive and dump-off pass to Edey in the first quarter. Going back to the first game in Salt Lake City, Edey has been the recipient of two of Jackson's best assists in summer league.

Playmaking for teammates hasn't been a strength of Jackson's throughout the summer, but Thursday was arguably his best performance yet. Maybe all he needed was a bigger target.

Grizzlies going for the win

If there was any doubt heading into the game against the Pelicans, there is none now. The Grizzlies are trying to win the summer league championship. Thursday's game was the second in as many nights, and it would have been reasonable for Memphis to sit out Jackson and Pippen after they both topped 30 minutes on Wednesday.

Nope. Both played Thursday, and Jake LaRavia returned to the starting lineup before leaving again at the end of the first half with an injury. Even with rookie guard Cam Spencer out, plus Edey and LaRavia hurt again, Memphis remains in a good spot to compete for the title.

What's next

The Grizzlies will play Saturday against an opponent to be determined. They will have Pippen and Jackson to lead the way, but their success could be determined by what other players are available. Edey's status is unknown and Spencer hasn't played since Monday. The injuries are adding up and could be costly.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Zach Edey injured in Memphis Grizzlies summer league win vs Pelicans