The Indiana Pacers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 107-103 on Wednesday, marking a significant reunion for two pivotal figures from Purdue’s historic 2024 NCAA run. Both Zach Edey, the consensus national player of the year, and Braden Smith, the point guard who led the Boilermakers to the title game, started for their respective NBA teams. Smith recorded his second career start for Indiana, while Edey anchored the Grizzlies’ frontcourt in a high-stakes matchup against his former Big Ten teammate.
Former Big Ten stars shine in Pacers’ 107-103 win over Grizzlies
Statistically, both players delivered efficient performances that underscored their elite status. Edey posted 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting and grabbed 13 rebounds, effectively neutralizing Pacers center Ivica Zubac, who returned from an ankle sprain but managed just one point. Smith complemented Edey’s interior dominance with 10 points on 5-of-9 shooting and five assists, extending his streak of double-figure scoring games to two straight. Their combined impact helped secure the victory for the Pacers in Memphis.
The game concluded with a heartwarming moment as Smith and Edey exchanged jerseys, a gesture captured on the Pacers’ social media platforms. This post-game interaction highlighted the enduring bond between the two former teammates, who recently shared the court in college basketball’s highest-profile game. For fans of both franchises, the matchup served as a reminder of the talent pipeline from Purdue to the NBA, with both players now establishing themselves as key contributors in their respective rosters.
Source: Yahoo Sports
