Memphis Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo is careful about how he reacts after games. He likes to dissect film before making major statements from a game.

So when Iisalo watched the Grizzlies’ performance against the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 5, he said the team didn’t do a good enough job of getting Jaren Jackson Jr. the ball.

When Memphis played the Clippers on Dec. 15 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, that changed.

Jackson scored a game-high 31 points, leading the Grizzlies to a 121-103 road victory.

Here is how they knocked off the Clippers (6-20).

There is Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jackson’s struggles have been noticeable. He entered the Dec. 15 game having scored less than 15 points in five straight games. He already has had more single-digit scoring performances (three) than all of last season.

The Grizzlies (12-14) wanted a more aggressive Jackson, and they got it. He attacked Clippers center Ivica Zubac from the perimeter, taking advantage of his quickness. Memphis spaced the floor well, allowing Jackson to get good looks around the rim. He made 13 of his 18 shot attempts. His work inside was complemented with his shooting. He knocked down four 3-pointers to keep the Clippers honest.

The effort carried over to Jackson’s defense, too. He finished with five blocks and two steals while protecting the basket in Zach Edey’s absence.

This was the version of Jackson many have been waiting to see. Iisalo saw his ability to be a mismatch against the Clippers and took complete advantage.

Consistent Cam’s career night

Jackson was the star of the show, but Cam Spencer wasn’t far behind. He added career highs of 27 points and seven made 3-pointers.

Spencer is playing the best basketball of his career, and he has been one of the NBA’s top shooters this season. He has scored in double figures off the bench in 10 consecutive games, and is shooting 35-for-55 for a blistering 63.6% during that stretch.

What makes Spencer’s emergence even better is the fact that it’s not just his shooting. He has been one of the team’s best playmakers in the absence of several point guards. He tied for a team-high with six assists against the Clippers; he’s averaging 5.2 assists in his past 10 games.

Spencer’s big night led to Memphis finishing with 47 bench points. All four reserves who played at least 15 minutes finished plus-25 or better.

Ja Morant’s injury status looms large

The night was going close to perfect until Ja Morant twisted his ankle and hopped off the floor with 3:44 left in the fourth quarter. He stepped on the foot of Ivica Zubac and was in visible pain as he was assisted to the bench.

Morant is currently on a minutes restriction of about 25 minutes after missing 10 games due to a left calf strain.

In 21 minutes against the Clippers, Morant finished with 12 points and four assists.

What’s next

Memphis will play on the road Dec. 17 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This is the teams’ first meeting of the season.

The Grizzlies could get frontcourt help in that game. Brandon Clarke, who was listed as doubtful to play against the Clippers, is close to making his season debut after having a knee procedure in September.

Morant’s status also will be something to watch. He missed the entire preseason with a left ankle sprain in October and missed one game against the Boston Celtics with right ankle soreness on Nov. 12.

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.