How Zach Edey Cooked the Perfect Homecoming at the FedEx Forum

The The Memphis Grizzlies limped into the FedEx Forum carrying a five-game losing streak, four consecutive away defeats and not Ja Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr. Their most loyal fans left celebrating the demolition of the Sacramento Kings. It was all made possible by the most effective home debut ever for any Bluff City big man. Zach Edeyplaying his first home game of the season, he didn’t miss a beat, including a confident call for the entire team in the postgame interview.

Seven for seven from the floor, one for one from three, 16 points, four rebounds, two steals and a maximum +23 in just 24 minutes. The 7-foot-4 sophomore center looked like he’d been waiting his whole life for this night. In the end, it looks like Tuomas IisaloThe Grizzlies got their season-saving center back just in time.

“It was great. I was waiting for this,” Edei smiled. “Everybody on this team can (play well). We know that, it’s just about who’s ready for the night.”

Against poor kings, those ready were Eday, Santi Aldama and Jock Landale. The three greats combined for 66 points and 15 rebounds and enjoyed the brilliance until the Kings had no answer. Memphis dominated the glass, limited turnovers, got the shots they wanted, and the results took care of themselves, exactly the recipe Edey repeated like a mantra.

“Like I said, just do what we do,” insisted the 7-foot phenom. “Hit it hard. Get to the rim and make good shots. It’ll work.”

It turned out beautifully. The Grizzlies turned a desperate night into a statement, the crowd roaring every time Edei got up for another easy bucket or threw his 300-pound frame into another defensive possession. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the five-game skid seemed like ancient history.

Instead of trying to do too much on his home debut, Edey played within himself, embraced the role of minutes limiter and executed the basics at an elite level.

“Focus on what we’re doing,” Edey stressed. “Control the glass, limit turnovers, take good shots and let the results be what they are.”

Apparently, based on stats and post-game statements, Iisalo’s emphasis on controlling the glass, limiting fouls and generating quality shots was the plan Edei followed. As Memphis looks to continue this momentum, the Grizzlies can take comfort in knowing they have a foundation to work with even when key players are unavailable.

Edei’s perfect homecoming offered more than a feel-good story. The wildly successful night showed that a franchise’s investment in size, skill and the right mentality can produce results when a team commits to playing together and trusting the process.