Grizzlies' Jackson makes season debut in loss to Clippers

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. made his season debut Wednesday in a 117-105 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, entering the game with seven minutes remaining in the first quarter after missing the entire season thus far with a meniscus injury.

He scored his first basket of the year soon after, hitting a 3-pointer from the left elbow after a lucky bounce to give the Grizzlies an early 21-9 lead.

Jackson, who tore the meniscus in his left knee on Aug. 3 while playing inside the Orlando bubble late last season, finished the loss with 15 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks in 18 minutes.

Grizzlies star Ja Morant appeared to allude to Jackson's long-awaited return earlier Wednesday in a series of tweets featuring the pair together.

The 21-year-old big man averaged 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 57 games last season.

Memphis drafted him fourth overall in 2018. He's under contract with the team through the 2022-23 season.