Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) handles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Even in defeat, the Charlotte Hornets still had one positive ...

Now that he’s got his running mate on the Memphis Grizzlies, Ja Morant, back this season, former Spartan Jaren Jackson Jr. is getting back to his old ways. After a strong week, Jackson Jr. has been named the NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Week.

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Desmond Bane scored 24 points, Luke Kennard added 23 on a season-high seven 3-pointers and the Memphis Grizzlies built an early lead and beat the Charlotte Hornets 132-120 on Wednesday night. Jaren Jackson Jr.

Memphis Grizzlies forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr. and Toronto Raptors guard-forward Scottie Barnes have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week,