The Memphis Grizzlies welcomed their superstar back in grand fashion on Friday night, December 26, 2025, defeating a depleted Milwaukee Bucks squad 125-104 at the FedExForum. The victory was defined by the triumphant return of Ja Morant, who had missed the previous four games with a left ankle sprain, and a dominant defensive masterclass from Jaren Jackson Jr. With the win, the Grizzlies moved to 15-16 on the season and extended their remarkable winning streak against Milwaukee to eight consecutive games, all of which have been decided by double digits.

Memphis wasted no time asserting their physicality, utilizing a balanced attack that saw five players reach double figures. While the Bucks managed to stay within striking distance through the first quarter, the Grizzlies' depth and transition speed eventually overwhelmed a Milwaukee team missing its core identity. The absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who sat out his eighth straight game with a right calf strain, was palpable as the Bucks struggled to protect the rim and secure defensive rebounds against a surging Memphis frontcourt.

Morant’s Return and Jackson’s Interior Dominance

Ja Morant’s presence immediately changed the gravity of the Grizzlies' offense. Finishing with 17 points and 10 assists, Morant displayed his trademark playmaking, consistently finding teammates for open looks as the Bucks' defense collapsed on his drives. His 10 points in the second quarter sparked a 35-15 run that effectively turned the tide of the game, allowing Memphis to take a comfortable 60-50 lead into the halftime break.

While Morant provided the spark, Jaren Jackson Jr. provided the hammer. The former Defensive Player of the Year was a force on both ends, scoring 24 points and tallying nine rebounds. More importantly, he anchored the paint with five blocks, deterring Milwaukee’s guards from challenging the rim. Jackson’s ability to switch onto smaller players and recover for weak side blocks neutralized many of the Bucks' attempts to build momentum in the paint.

Milwaukee’s Uphill Battle Without Giannis

For the Milwaukee Bucks (12-19), the night was another lesson in the difficulty of competing without the "Greek Freak." AJ Green was a bright spot for the visitors, matching his season high with 20 points on 6 of 11 shooting from three point range. Green’s perimeter accuracy kept the score respectable in the first half, but he lacked the consistent support needed to mount a serious second half comeback.

Kevin Porter Jr. also contributed 16 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, but the lack of a true interior presence made it difficult for Milwaukee to sustain offensive sets. Bobby Portis Jr., Kyle Kuzma, and Ryan Rollins each chipped in 15 points, but as a unit, the Bucks shot just 42% from the floor. Without Antetokounmpo’s 28.9 points and 10 rebounds per game, Milwaukee’s offense often stagnated into contested perimeter shots that led to long rebounds and Memphis fast breaks.

The Decisive Fourth Quarter

Milwaukee showed a flash of resilience early in the fourth quarter, whittling a 15 point deficit down to just seven at 92-85. However, the Grizzlies responded with a clinical 7-0 run, highlighted by a Cam Spencer three pointer and a fast break dunk by Morant. Spencer, the rookie sharpshooter, finished with 19 points and proved to be a vital floor spacer for the Grizzlies' starting unit.

The final six minutes saw Memphis pull away completely, outscoring Milwaukee 33-21 in the final frame. The Grizzlies' bench, led by Santi Aldama’s 12 points, provided the necessary energy to close out the game while the starters rested. The 125-104 final score accurately reflected a game where Memphis led for the majority of the night and dictated the tempo through superior athleticism and ball movement.

Looking Ahead

The Grizzlies will look to carry this momentum onto the road as they travel to face the Washington Wizards on Sunday. With Ja Morant back in the lineup and Jaren Jackson Jr. playing at an All Star level, Memphis is beginning to look like the dangerous Western Conference contender many expected before the season's injury woes began.

The Bucks, meanwhile, face a quick turnaround as they travel to Chicago to take on the Bulls on Saturday night. The primary concern for Milwaukee remains the health of Giannis Antetokounmpo. While he has reportedly progressed to 3 on 3 scrimmages, the team has been cautious with his return. Until their superstar is back on the floor, the Bucks will continue to face an uphill climb in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race.