Zach Edey stats tonight: How did Grizzlies rookie fare vs Steph Curry-less Warriors? (Jan. 4)

Zach Edey returned to the starting lineup on Saturday as the Memphis Grizzlies fell 121-113 to the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco. Edey hadn't started since Dec. 27 and missed two games due to a concussion, but he rejoined the starting group for this matchup.

He had nine points and seven rebounds in his return game against the Sacramento Kings. However, his impact against the Warriors was limited early on.

Edey managed just two points and four rebounds in the first half, and he was a team-worst minus-8 as the Warriors held a 58-54 lead at halftime.

The second half told a similar story, with the two teams battling closely in the third quarter. Edey added to his tally with a turnaround hook shot midway through the third, a period in which the Grizzlies were slightly outscored 34-32.

Edey received a hard foul from Draymond Green early in the fourth quarter, which was deemed a flagrant one. Edey split his free throws, and his scoring night ended there. He finished with five points and six rebounds.

Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 22 points and 10 assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 23 points and nine rebounds.

Andrew Wiggins paced the Warriors with 24 points, while Dennis Schroder and Lindy Waters III added 17 and 16 points, respectively.

Below are Zach Edey’s full stats.

PLAYER	MIN	PTS	REB	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	OREB	DREB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF	=+/-
Zach Edey	20:28	5	6	2	2	100	0	0	0.0	1	2	50.0	2	4	1	0	0	3	2	-11

NBA analyst discusses why Zach Edey’s team is a legit contender

Zach Edey is one of several Memphis Grizzlies players who have missed games to begin the season, including Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Despite these challenges, the Grizzlies have managed to stay among the top teams in the competitive Western Conference.

In a December article, Michael Pina, a writer for The Ringer, argued that the Grizzlies' ability to perform despite these injuries demonstrates their depth and their potential to reach the finals.

“Before this season started, I picked Memphis to make the Finals. A couple of months in, I could not feel better about it,” Pina wrote.

“Despite injuries to Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Zach Edey, and several other contributing role players, the Grizzlies … have proved elite on both sides of the ball.”

The Grizzlies’ offense and defense both rank fifth in the league. Their net rating is only behind the OKC Thunder, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks.

“They’re big, versatile and tough. Most of their lineups include multiple ballhandling threats who can shoot, make plays, and hold their own on the other end,” Pina said.

The Grizzlies’ upcoming schedule features a tough stretch against Western Conference powerhouses: Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, the Rockets again, back-to-back games against the San Antonio Spurs and another meeting with the Timberwolves.