Around the Association: Jaren Jackson Wins It In Utah, Suns Win Again, Rozier Comes Alive

This article is part of our NBA Daily Recap series.

Welcome to Around the Association!  Five days per week (Monday through Friday), this article will serve as a comprehensive recap of the previous night's NBA action, taking you through all of the biggest performances, notable box scores, injury updates and any other fantasy-relevant headlines from around the league.

It was another busy 10 game slate Monday night -- here is all you need to know

Nightly Notables

Jaren and Ja push Grizzlies over Jazz in Utah

• The Memphis Grizzlies got flat-out embarrassed over the weekend by the Timberwolves, losing by 43 points Saturday night. However, the team responded with an impressive 119-118 come from behind win over the Jazz. Jaren Jackson was fantastic throughout and drilled the go-head three to seal the victory late. The Michigan State product finished with a season-high 26 points (9-19 FG, 4-11 3Pt, 4-5 FT), eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 33 minutes. Ja Morant did his thing during the win as well, finishing with 32 points (9-30 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 11-14 FT), seven assists, four rebounds and two steals in 36 minutes.
  • If I had to pick a sleeper to win the three-point contest this season, it is easily Desmond Bane. The second-year wing ended with 28 points (12-20 FG, 4-8 3Pt), four rebounds, four assists and two steals in 34 minutes.

• Bojan Bogdanovic was impressive down the stretch for Utah, drilling triples late in the fourth to do his best to lead the Jazz to victory. The veteran forward ended with a team-high 24 points (8-14 FG, 7-11 3Pt, 1-1 FT) to go with three rebounds and three assists in 29 minutes.
  • Rudy Gobert posted his sixth straight and 14th overall double-double of the season, ending with 23 points (9-10 FG, 5-6 FT), 13 rebounds and a season-best five blocks.

Phoenix pushes win streak to 13 games 

• The Phoenix Suns simply will not lose. The team has rattled off 13 consecutive victories after Monday night's 115-111 win over the Spurs. Phoenix was able to fend off a late comeback rally by the Spurs. Devin Booker led the way for the Suns once again, recording a team-high 23 points (7-17 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 5-6 FT), four assists and three rebounds in 34 minutes of play.
  • Deandre Ayton had an efficient performance during the win, ending with 21 points (10-16 FG, 1-2 FT), 14 rebounds, three assists and one steal in 32 minutes.
• I have said it in this piece before but I will say it again: Dejounte Murray is the most underrated player in the NBA. The 25-year-old logged his third triple-double of the season, finishing with 18 points (9-22 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 0-1 FT), 10 rebounds, 11 assists, one block and three steals in 37 minutes of play. Murray is averaging 18.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 8.0 assists to begin the season.
  • Devin Vassell impressed me last night during San Antonio's defeat. The second-year wing dropped an efficient 17 points (7-12 FG, 3-6 3Pt) to go with three rebounds, two steals and one assist in 30 minutes off the bench,

Charlotte hangs on in nail-biter over Washington 

• The Hornets came into Washington winners of five of their past six outings and were able to keep their hot stretch going, defeating the Wizards 109-103. Terry Rozier was unstoppable during the victory, dropping a season-high 32 points (11-19 FG, 8-11 3Pt, 2-2 FT) to go with four assists, two rebounds and two steals in 35 minutes. The guard's handle was on display all night and he helped ice the game with a clutch, step-back three.
  • LaMelo Ball continued his impressive play during the win, finishing with  28 points (10-24 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 5-7 FT), 13 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and one block in 38 minutes. This marks the second-year pro's third straight double-double

• Simply put, Montrezl Harrell is an absolute beast on the court. The tenacious big put up 24 points (10-13 FG, 4-5 FT) and 18 rebounds in 26 minutes during Washington's defeat. Harrell was one of the key reasons that Washington was able to stay in the game
  • Bradley Beal struggled with his shot, but was able to finish with a solid 18 points (5-18 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 6-6 FT), nine assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block in 39 minutes.

Brooklyn outlasts Cleveland 

• Kevin Durant missed his first game of the season Friday due to a shoulder sprain, but the All-Star forward was able to come back to help push the Nets over the Cavaliers by a score of 117-112.
  • Durant finished the game 27 points (8-19 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 10-10 FT), six rebounds, nine assists and three blocks in 39 minutes. His running-mate, James Harden, only registered 10 field goal attempts but still finished with a season-high 14 assists to go with 14 points (5-10 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six rebounds and three steals over 38 minutes.
    • Patty Mills finished the game with 17 points (6-10 FG, 5-9 3Pt), one rebound and three assists in 35 minutes. The first-year Net is averaging 19.4 points per game over his last five showings and continues to shine starting in Joe Harris' (ankle) spot.
• Jarrett Allen returned from a three-game absence due to a non-COVID illness to face off against his former team. The 23-year-old looked great in his first action back on the court, registering 20 points (7-15 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 6-9 FT), 15 rebounds, two assists and one block across 37 minutes. Allen is averaging 14.6 points and 11.2 rebounds to start the season and is starting emerge as one of the best young centers in the league
  • Darius Garland recorded 24 points (9-27 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 4-4 FT), five rebounds and 11 assists across 39 minutes. He is averaging 24.3 points per game over his last three contests as he continues to shine without Collin Sexton in the lineup.

Shorthanded 76ers spoil Gentry's debut

• In the team's first game since firing Luke Walton, it looked like the Kings were on their way victory before being outscored 25-12 in the fourth quarter en route to a 102-94 defeat to a 76ers team that was without Joel Embiid (COVID), Danny Green (hamstring), Seth Curry (back) and Tobias Harris (hip). Tyrese Maxey continued to drop buckets for Philadelphia, ending the game with a team-high 24 points (8-22 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 8-8 FT) to go with four assists, two steals and one rebound in 35 minutes.
  • Andre Drummond was a monster down low for Philadelphia, recording nine points (3-8 FG, 3-6 FT), 23 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal in 31 minutes of play.
• Despite the losing effort, De'Aaron Fox had a solid outing for the Kings in his first game with Alvin Gentry as their head coach. This is just the Kentucky product's second time scoring 20 or more points in his last six appearances.
  • Buddy Hield ended the contest with 21 points (7-15 FG, 5-11 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds and two assists in 31 minutes of action.
  • After starting the previous five games, Chimezie Metu picked up a DNP-CD, while Maurice Harkless got the start at power forward.

Best and Worst of the Night

• Stud of the Night: Terry Rozier --  32 points (11-19 FG, 8-11 3Pt, 2-2 FT) to go with four assists, two rebounds and two steals in 35 minutes.
• Dud of the Night: Lonzo Ball -- Zero points (0-7 FG, 0-4 3Pt), five rebounds, two assists and one block in 25 minutes.
• Rookie of the Night: Josh Giddey -- 15 points (6-13 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT), seven rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal in 31 minutes

Quick Hitters

• The Indiana Pacers absolutely crushed the Bulls in Chicago by a margin of 109-77 behind a solid team effort as every starter reached double-figures. Domantas Sabonis lead the way during the victory with 21 points (8-14 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists and one steal in 26 minutes.
• Zach LaVine ended a streak of 14 consecutive games scoring 20 or more points during the team's blowout loss to the Pacers. The All-Star guard ended the game with 17 points (7-18 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 0-1 FT), three assists and two rebounds in 26 minutes of action.
  • Coby White made his first start of the season as Alex Caruso was sidelined with a wrist injury. The UNC product ended with four points (2-10 FG, 0-3 3Pt), five rebounds, three assists and one steal in 24 minutes.
• Jaylen Brown showed no signs of rust as he made his return to the court after missing eight straight games due to a hamstring injury. The 25-year-old recorded 19 points (6-13 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT), three rebounds, one block and one steal over 23 minutes during Boston's 108-90 win over Houston.
  • Jayson Tatum kept up his hot play in the win, ending with 30 points (10-22 FG, 1-9 3Pt, 9-9 FT), six rebounds, three assists and one steal over 34 minutes. This marked the All-Star's fourth straight showing scoring 30 or more points.
  • Al Horford dropped 11 points (4-9 FG, 3-5 3Pt), 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals in just 24 minutes during the win.
• Armoni Brooks was the only Rockets player to score over 10 points during the team's loss to Boston. The second-year pro ended with 17 points (5-9 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 2-3 FT), three rebounds, two assists and three steals across 25 minutes.
• Trae Young was unstoppable once again for the Hawks as they cruised to a 113-101 victory over the Thunder. The All-Star guard ended the contest with 30 points (9-20 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 7-7 FT), four rebounds, six assists and one steal over 32 minutes.
  • Clint Capela feasted down-low against Oklahoma City's bigs, finishing with 10 points (5-9 FG) and 14 rebounds over 30 minutes. The 27-year-old has six double-doubles over his past seven outings.
• Karl-Anthony Towns was a force during Minnesota's 110-96 beat down over the Pelicans in New Orleans. The 6-foot-11 big ended the contest with 28 points (10-21 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 6-8 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 34 minutes of play. KAT is averaging 26.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game over his past five showings.
  • Jarred Vanderbilt had his best game of the season as he remains in Minnesota's starting lineup, finishing with a season-high 16 points (6-10 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist and two steals across 25 minutes.
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker was moved to the bench for Monday's contest against the Timberwolves in favor of Tomas Satoransky. The 23-year-old still saw a normal 27 minutes en route to a 14 point (5-11 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebound and three assist showing.
  • Willy Hernangomez had a surprisingly impressive performance, ending with 19 points (8-9 FG, 3-4 FT), 11 rebounds and one steal in 22 minutes off of the bench.
• The Milwaukee Bucks absolutely steamrolled the Magic by a margin of 123-92 to earn their fourth straight victory. It was a balanced showing for the team as seven players reached double-figures yet no player topped 18 points as well. Giannis Antetokounmpo neared a triple-double with 12 points (4-12 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 4-6 FT), nine assists, eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal in 23 minutes of action.
• Moritz Wagner had his best showing of the season off of the bench for Orlando during its defeat to the Bucks. The forward ended with a season-high 18 points (5-9 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 5-6 FT), two rebounds, two blocks and one assist in 23 minutes.
• LaMarcus Aldridge put up his first double-double of the year during Brooklyn's win over Cleveland, finishing with 21 points (10-14 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 11 rebounds and one block across 34 minutes. The veteran is averaging 20.0 points per game in 29.0 minutes per game over his last three showings.
• Lauri Markkanen returned from a nine-game absence due to COVID protocols, but looked good during the Cavs loss to the Nets. The Finnish forward recorded 22 points (7-17 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 5-5 FT), eight rebounds, one assist and one block over 31 minutes of play.
• Kyle Kuzma logged his seventh double-double of the season, recording 11 points (5-12 FG, 1-4 3Pt), 13 rebounds, five assists and one block in 30 minutes during Washington's loss to Charlotte.

• Jakob Poeltl made his first start since coming back from his absence due to the NBA's health and safety protocols. He finished with 15 points (7-9 FG, 1-6 FT), nine rebounds and two assists in 31 minutes of action.
  • Derrick White recorded 19 points (8-17 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals across 40 minutes during San Antonio's loss as well.

Rookie Spotlights

• Josh Giddey: 15 points (6-13 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT), seven rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal in 31 minutes
  • Giddey's 15 points were tied for a team-high, but the Australian rookie continued to struggle with his outside shot in OKC's defeat to Atlanta. The unique playmaker had averaged just 3.0 assists per game over his past three showings heading into Monday night, so it was encouraging to see Giddey get back on track in that department.
• Franz Wagner: Zero points (0-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt), four rebounds, one assist and one turnover in 23 minutes.
  • The rookie out of Michigan had his worst performance of the season during Orlando's blowout loss to the Bucks. After averaging 15.6 points per game over his first eight career performances, Wagner is scoring just 11.0 points per game over his last nine showings.
• Alperen Sengun: Eight points (3-6 FG, 2-2 FT, 0-1 3Pt), seven assists, six rebounds and two steals in 20 minutes.
  • The Turkish big man had finished the game with five fouls, so that may explain some of the reasoning he only saw 20 minutes, but Sengun filled up the stat sheet in his short amount of play. The first-rounder was dropping dimes left and right during Houston's loss. If Sengun can start to see his minutes creep up, the big has the potential to be a very valuable fantasy asset.

• Cam Thomas: 11 points (4-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), three rebounds and one block in 14 minutes.
  • The LSU product is starting to find himself creeping into coach Steve Nash's rotation. Thomas has seen at least 10 minutes in back-to-back contests for Brooklyn, and his 11 points scored Monday night marked the first career double-digit effort for the 20-year-old.
• Jeremiah Robinson-Earl: 13 points (4-9 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block in 31 minutes.
  • This marked the first career double-double for Robinson-Earl. JRE has now also put up 13 points in back-to-back contests for the Thunder. The second-rounder is averaging 11.4 points and 6.8 rebounds in 27.6 minutes per contest over his past five showings.

A Look Ahead to Tuesday Night 

• The Lakers head into New York City to matchup against the Knicks while LeBron James serves his suspension
• Does Nikola Jokic (wrist) suit up to play against the Portland Trail Blazers?
• Will Luka Doncic (ankle) make his return to the lineup as Dallas heads into LA to face Paul George and the Clippers?