Zach Edey Shines With Dominant Performance Against Toronto Raptors
On December 26, 2024, at the FedExForum, fans witnessed something special as Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey delivered one of the finest performances of his budding NBA career, leading his team to a resounding 155-126 victory over the Toronto Raptors. With his performance, Edey not only helped his team secure the win but also etched his name alongside the greats of the game.
That night, Edey notched up 21 points, secured 16 rebounds, distributed 2 assists, and even recorded 2 blocks, all within just 27 minutes of game time. On this occasion, he solidified his position as one of the rising stars of the league, co-leading the Grizzlies with Jaren Jackson Jr. (who also scored 21 points), and marking his fourth double-double of the season.
Reflecting on his night, Edey stated, “This performance was the best of my career.” Excelling especially on the offensive glass, he pulled down 9 rebounds, showcasing his ability to dominate inside. His shooting was efficient too, going 9-for-15 from the field, though he battled with his three-point shooting, hitting just 1 of 5 attempts.
The dynamics of the game shifted considerably due to the absence of Raptors center Jakob Poeltl, sidelined with a groin injury. This left Toronto vulnerable, allowing the Grizzlies to push the pace, which they did masterfully, overwhelming the Raptors and building leads as large as 19 points throughout the contest. The Raptors, unable to mount any significant resistance, faced their ninth consecutive loss, dropping their road record to a dismal 1-14.
Toronto's woes were compounded by their failure to maintain defensive stability. Edey and Barrett found easy scoring opportunities, continually exploiting mismatches. Barrett, on the other hand, flirted with a triple-double but could not alter the team’s fate, as the Raptors simply could not match the Grizzlies’ firepower. Their coach, Darko Rajakovic, visibly frustrated as the game progressed, allowed his emotions to boil over, resulting in his ejection early in the fourth quarter—an act some might interpret as taking one for the team.
With his monumental performance against the Raptors, Edey became only the second rookie ever to achieve the statistical feat of scoring at least 21 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, among other stats, within 30 minutes of play. The only other player to reach this milestone was Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis, who did so on March 8, 1996.
Finding himself as Memphis’s centerpiece, Edey’s newfound offensive prowess, compared by some to NBA legends, reflects his potential to be one of the most significant players of this era.
This game came on throwback night, reminding fans of the fierce rivalry between the Raptors and Grizzlies and how far Canadian basketball has come. Playing against the team he once idolized growing up, Edey’s remarkable performance wasn’t just for the history books—it was also symbolic, illustrating his evolution from collegiate player to professional star.
Overall, as the Grizzlies improved their season record to 21-10, positioning themselves just behind the Houston Rockets for second place, Edey’s steady growth and development signify promising horizons for his future and for the organization moving forward. With each game, he continues to answer his critics, showing the world his gameplay is more than ready for the bright lights of the NBA.
Friday’s game was not just about numbers for Edey; it was about legacy, as he faced off against the team he grew up admiring. The story of Zach Edey is still being written, and if tonight was any indication, the next chapters promise to be even more thrilling.
