Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. is quickly becoming one of the team’s most vocal supporters, and his admiration for teammate Marcus Smart was on full display after Smart’s standout performance against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. Pippen, who has been showing off his own impressive growth this season, couldn’t help but hype up Smart’s game-changing impact. The rookie guard took to Instagram, sharing a post that celebrated Smart’s dazzling display, highlighting the positive energy and camaraderie within the Grizzlies’ locker room.
Scotty Pippen Jr Showing His Dad Some Real Buckets..
Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. couldn’t contain his excitement after Marcus Smart’s season-best performance against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. Taking to Instagram, Pippen shared a post showcasing the final score, offering a simple but powerful three-word tribute to his teammate. The caption was a nod to Smart’s standout display, hyping up the former NBA finalist with palpable enthusiasm.
“The game changer,” Pipen captioned his IG story.
Marcus Smart made a game-changing impact off the bench in Wednesday’s 131-111 win for the Grizzlies. Entering with just over three minutes left in the first quarter, Memphis trailed by nine. Smart scored or assisted on the final 12 points of the period, and by halftime, the Grizzlies led by 11. He finished with 25 points, four rebounds, five assists, and three steals in just 20 minutes, shooting 66.7% from the field and 63.6% from three.
“Unbelievable boost from Marcus tonight,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “…You just look up and down the box score and some things that don’t even show up in the box — his on-ball defense, disrupting their offense, his playmaking.”
Scotty Pippen Jr. delivered another impressive performance, finishing the game with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals, following a career-high outing just two games ago.
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In a thrilling Sunday showdown between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Chicago Bulls, Scotty Pippen Jr. made a powerful statement, putting up a career-high 30 points to propel the Grizzlies to a 142-131 victory on the road. Adding a cherry on top, he notched a double-double with 10 assists, showcasing his all-around game.
What made this achievement even more special was the setting Chicago’s iconic United Center, where his father, Bulls legend Scottie Pippen, had countless unforgettable moments. To replicate such an impressive performance at the very arena that witnessed his dad’s greatness added an emotional layer to Scotty’s standout night.
“It’s definitely a special place to play,” Pippen Jr. said of Chicago’s United Center. “[To] see my dad’s name up [in the rafters]. I’ve dreamed of this moment. It’s a dream come true to be finally able to play here.” (via: Sportskeeda)
Scotty Pippen Jr. is off to a strong start this season, averaging 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.2 steals. He’s shooting 49.7% from the field and 39.7% from three, making him a standout contender for the Most Improved Player award early on. Pippen’s growth on both ends of the floor is catching attention as he continues to elevate his game.
