Jarell Martin was almost the hero last game for the Grizzlies, executing a perfect putback slamblam with .6 seconds remaining to even the score. Then the Suns cheated and used a technicality to offensive goaltend a basket for themselves, and Martin’s heroics went largely unrecognized.
It would be hard to say that he was the hero tonight against the Lakers, as his career-high 20 points, while definitely a career-high, weren’t quite as impactful as Tyreke Evans’ 32. Maybe I’ll say it anyway. Yeah, that sounds good. Because who even expected him to score this many? Jarell Martin was the hero tonight for Memphis. He put the team on his back with his energy, and it paid off.
The season stats for Martin still remain in the suck zone, he’s shooting really poorly from the field for a guy of his size, but tonight may begin a reversal of fortunes for him. There’s still plenty of time to get that field goal percentage above 40, Jarell! Don’t give up! Just tell Tyreke to throw you a bunch more lobs.