7-foot-4 Zach Edey comes through with big man duties after Ja Morant's scuffle with Drew Eubanks

Zach Edey has perfectly fit in with the Memphis Grizzlies, serving as an enforcer for Ja Morant and the rest of the team. Edey came through again on Saturday night when he defended Morant during a scuffle with Utah Jazz big man Drew Eubanks.

Less than three minutes into the second quarter of the Grizzlies-Jazz game, Morant poked the ball from Keyonte George, who was holding the ball after a violation. The two guards exchanged words before a shoving contest occurred that also included Edey and Eubanks.

Players, coaches and officials were quick to react and calm the situation down. However, the next possession produced another scuffle between Edey and Eubanks, with the Jazz big man charging at the Grizzlies rookie.

The 7-foot-4 Purdue product stood his ground and even made Eubanks walk about after the hit. The veteran center was called for a flagrant foul two, so he was automatically ejected from the game.

Zach Edey finished the game with 19 points, seven rebounds, two steals and five blocks as the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Utah Jazz 125-103. The Grizzlies used the second quarter scuffle to motivate themselves and pull away for their 31st win of the season.

It was also their sixth straight win, and they are just six games behind the best record in the Western Conference. Ja Morant, who had 11 points and seven assists, told reporters that Edey approached him after his shoving contest with Keyonte George and asked if Drew Eubanks was bothering him.

Morant appreciated the gesture by his big man and assured him that he would cover the technical foul fine for defending him.

Edey has had an up-and-down rookie campaign for the Grizzlies but remains a contributor in any way he can. He has overcome the doubts and critics of his game possibly not translating in the NBA.

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Zach Edey comments on being called an enforcer by Ja Morant and his teammates

Zach Edey comments on being called an enforcer by Ja Morant and his teammates. (Photo: IMAGN)

After his performance on the court and his work as an enforcer on Saturday night, Zach Edey received plenty of praise from Ja Morant and the rest of the team.

Edey commented on the kind words from his teammates, while also reacting to being called the team's muscle.

"I'm just a protective guy," Edey said, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

"I don't really like for people to mess with my teammates, especially Ja. Trying to do all the extracurricular, trying to get a little advantage by being a little too physical, I don't really appreciate that."

The race for the Rookie of the Year is wide open halfway through the season, with Edey as one of the favorites along with teammate Jaylen Wells, as well as Kel'el Ware, Alex Sarr and Stephon Castle.