How Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. fared in 2023 NBA All-Star Game

Ja Morant got the inbounds pass and Jaren Jackson Jr. stood ready to defend him Sunday in Salt Lake City. The matchup probably had Memphis Grizzlies fans torn but excited.

For the first time, two Grizzlies played in the same NBA All-Star Game. But it was more fun than intense as Jackson shadowed Morant until half court, where Morant passed by him with a smile. Morant then hit a 360-degree dunk with Jackson trailing.

Jackson's business decision allowed Morant an easy highlight, but it was a rare moment for both taking center stage. Morant won the opening tip, but the Grizzlies duo took a back seat to Team Giannis defeating Team LeBron 184-175.

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Morant was picked by Team Giannis, but he was also picked early during the reserve selections. It was a moment of levity with Giannis Antetokounmpo forgetting the rules that reserves this year would be picked before the starters.

It didn't matter as Antetokounmpo got his wish. Morant went out for the opening tip-off and won it over Kyrie Irving. In 20 minutes, he had six points and three assists in his second All-Star game, matching his scoring total from last year.

All the points came on dunks, including two highlight plays: a double-pump reverse that rivaled some of the better dunks in Saturday's dunk contest and then the 360-degree dunk in front of Jackson.

Morant also attempted a between-the-legs slam but came of short.

Jackson, who was on Team LeBron, also had six points in eight minutes in his final All-Star game. He was also the last reserve picked in the pregame draft.

Jackson and Morant also took just four shots, although Morant said on TNT he was content to be a facilitator instead of a scorer.

"Just keep giving the ball to those guys. I got a team full of buckets," Morant told sideline reporter Dennis Scott.

Both players ended up winning more off the court. Jackson was named a vice president of the National Basketball Players' Association and Morant was spotlighted all week as part of Nike's campaign push for his signature Ja 1 shoe.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. fared in 2023 NBA All-Star Game