Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey’s first basket of the game against the Denver Nuggets seemed to send a message.
Edey planted two feet in the paint, dropped his right shoulder into the chest of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and finished a left-handed layup under the basket.
At that moment, Edey looked like he wasn’t going to be physically dominated by Jokic. Many NBA centers can’t say that.
The good fortune didn’t last long.
Edey subbed out of the game with 6:19 remaining in the first quarter and did not return due to a head injury. Jokic continued his dominant ways as the Nuggets knocked off the Grizzlies 125-115 at FedExForum on Nov. 24.
What happened to Zach Edey?
Edey was a big part of the Grizzlies’ game plan against Jokic. Losing him forced them to shift on the fly, which wasn’t an easy adjustment.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo didn’t have much new information to add regarding the injury. He stated that Edey was hit in the head before leaving the game. The one sequence during Edey’s time on the floor where he appeared to be hit was when Jokic fouled him while the two battled for positioning with 9:09 left in the first quarter. Edey stayed in the game for close to three minutes after that play.
“I was just informed that he got hit in the head and he’s out for the game,” Iisalo said.
What injury loss means for Grizzlies
Memphis gained its most momentum of the season the past two games in part because of Edey’s presence. After missing the first 13 games while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, he debuted against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 15 and immediately changed the Grizzlies’ outlook.
They suddenly looked more physical, energetic and competitive. Rebounding drastically improved, giving them an area of strength to rely on.
With Edey out, they were out-rebounded 46-40, but the overall effort was still encouraging to the players and Iisalo.
“I’m very proud of the guys that we were in this all the way to the end through winning the possession game,” Iisalo said.
Still, there’s no denying the impact Edey brings.
“Zach is a huge part of what we do, both offensively and defensively,” wing Cedric Coward said. “Just his presence alone is so meaningful to the team. You guys understand, when he came back, how much better our team got defensively, on the rebounding end, even the offensive end. His roles are gravitating guys inside, so we’re getting easier shots on the outside. It was a huge loss.”
What happens next?
The Grizzlies just got Jaren Jackson Jr. back after he missed two games because of a right ankle sprain. Jackson, Jock Landale and Santi Aldama will be relied on if Edey misses any additional time.
Landale stepped up nicely against Denver, finishing with a team-high 26 points and 10 rebounds. He likely would jump back into the starting lineup if Edey is sidelined.
“I’ve been in situations where I’m not playing at all and have to step in to roles,” Landale said. “This season, I feel like I’m a lot more involved in the team aspect of this game. Being able to get out there every single night at this point, which is probably the first time in my career I’ve played all the first 18 games, it kind of feels easy. I’m enjoying it.”
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.