Zach Edey Stats Tonight: How did the Grizzlies rookie fare against Atlanta Hawks? ( Dec. 21)
Zach Edey and the Memphis Grizzlies faced the Atlanta Hawks on the road on Saturday. The surging Grizzlies, which whipped the Golden State Warriors 144-93 on Thursday, looked to win against the slumping hosts.
The big man opened the Grizzlies scoring with a layup off an assist from fellow rookie Jaylen Wells. Edey added a 3-footer a few minutes later. Memphis roared off to a fast start, leading 14-5 in the first four minutes before Atlanta closed the gap.
Edey was effective and impactful in the minutes he played. Memphis finished the first quarter strong to take a 43-27 lead.
The No. 9 pick in this year's draft didn't score again in the first half but continued to help with the rebounding and rim protection. Zach Edey helped the Grizzlies to a 73-49 halftime advantage.
Zach Edey did not attempt a shot in the third quarter. The rookie sustained his impact on the defensive end and helped his team on the boards. Edey’s presence alone made Atlanta’s rim attackers hesitate. The 7-foot-4 center disrupted a few lob attempts from the Hawks.
Edey finally got on board again in the fourth quarter. He added six points to his tally to help his team win 128-112.
Zach Edey has been solid for the Memphis Grizzlies since returning from left ankle injury
Edey suffered a left ankle injury in mid-November that kept him out for nearly a month. He rolled his ankle late in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 17. The rookie returned on Dec. 15 against the LA Lakers after missing eight games.
Since his return, he has been solid for the Memphis Grizzlies. Against the Lakers, he had 13 points, 10 rebounds, one block and one steal. He followed it up with another commendable outing versus the Golden State Warriors. The rookie had eight points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
Many praised him for standing up to Draymond Green, who called him soft after the first Warriors-Grizzlies meeting.
Zach Edey had another solid stint for the Grizzlies in their win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.