Memphis Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey is on a roll, and it's come at the perfect time for his team. Edey was dominant again on Tuesday night and helped the Grizzlies secure a 124-100 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Rebounding was one of Edey's strengths coming into the NBA, and he's continuing to improve. He's recorded double-digit rebounds in his last four games. Edey is the first rookie since Shaquille O'Neal in 1993 to record 40 or more rebounds over a two-game span.
On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Edey surpassed 30 minutes for the second time this month, playing for 31 minutes and 16 seconds. His overall activity has increased on both ends of the court. He's setting tons of screens, rebounding on the offensive glass, and protecting the rim. Here is how Edey fared on Tuesday night:
Zach Edey’s Stats vs. Hornets
- Minutes: 31:16
- Points: 17
- Field Goals: 7-for-9
- Three-Point Field Goals: 0-for-2
- Free Throws: 3-for-4
- Rebounds: 19
- Assists: 0
- Steals: 3
- Blocks: 1
- Turnovers: 5
- Fouls: 3
The Grizzlies entered the game with a record of 46-32, looking to solidify their playoff positioning in the Western Conference. They were riding a two-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Miami Heat and the Detroit Pistons. In contrast, the Hornets, with a dismal record of 19-59, were struggling, having lost their last three games and only winning one of their last ten.
Before the matchup, the Grizzlies had an implied team point total of 121.12, while the Hornets were projected at 114.08. Memphis had previously defeated Charlotte 132-120 in their only meeting this season, giving them confidence heading into the game.
Despite the Hornets' struggles, they had a few bright spots, but the overall performance of the Grizzlies proved too much. Edey's contributions were significant, as he not only scored but also dominated the boards, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
"Zach is really coming into his own, and we need him to continue this momentum as we head into the playoffs," said Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins. Edey’s emergence as a reliable contributor has been a key factor for Memphis as they aim for a deep playoff run.
As the game progressed, the Grizzlies maintained control, with Edey playing a pivotal role. His defensive presence was felt throughout the night, and his ability to grab rebounds was crucial in limiting the Hornets' second-chance opportunities. The Grizzlies out-rebounded the Hornets significantly, which was a point of emphasis for Jenkins leading up to the game.
Charlotte, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, with their offense sputtering against Memphis's aggressive defense. The Hornets have been testing out different lineups as they look toward next season, which may have contributed to their lack of cohesion on the court.
"We’re using these games to evaluate our players and see what works for us moving forward," said Hornets head coach James Borrego. "It's a tough situation, but we’re committed to developing our young talent."
The Grizzlies' victory on Tuesday night was not just a win but a statement as they look to secure their playoff positioning. With Edey stepping up in crucial moments, Memphis fans are optimistic about what lies ahead.
As the NBA season winds down, every game becomes increasingly important. The Grizzlies are looking to build on this momentum, while the Hornets are hoping to find some positives to take into the offseason.
With the playoffs looming, the performance of players like Zach Edey will be critical for the Grizzlies. If he can maintain this level of play, Memphis could be a formidable opponent in the postseason. As for the Hornets, they’ll need to regroup and identify areas for improvement as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.
As it stands, the Grizzlies are in a great position, and with Edey leading the charge, they are poised to make a significant impact in the playoffs. Fans will be eagerly watching how this rookie continues to develop and contribute to the team’s success.