Inevitably aware that he would be on Yves Missi’s highlight reel after a post-halftime contact jam, Zach Edey knew there was only one thing for a great competitor to do: respond with a must-see play of his own. Holding his own during a battle between two of the 2024 NBA Draft’s premier standouts, the Memphis Grizzlies’ masked center shuffles his feet on defense, forcing Jeremiah Robinson-Earl into a drive-and-kick. Like a dog awaiting a crumb falling from a kitchen table, Edey patiently awaits Missi’s layup attempt before emphatically sending it away for a swat-and-snatch. Embracing his role as Memphis’ enforcer in recent weeks, Edey’s blend of 7-foot-4 size and discipline in staying vertical encouraged plenty of positives in January 24, 2025’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Multifaceted and hustle-minded on both sides of the floor, Edey turned added playing time into 13 points (on six-of-nine shooting), 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal, two blocks, one 3-pointer, and a +24 plus-minus. · Jan 25, 2025