Javon Small Scores NBA Career-High 22 Points Off Bench

Former WVU guard shines in Memphis Grizzlies loss to Portland Trailblazers

Feb. 8, 2026 at 3:39pm

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On Saturday night, former West Virginia University guard Javon Small achieved an NBA career-high by scoring 22 points in 28 minutes as a reserve for the Memphis Grizzlies. His efficient shooting and overall contributions stood out despite the team's 122-115 defeat against the Portland Trailblazers.

Why it matters

With star guard Ja Morant sidelined due to injury, Small is likely to receive increased playing time moving forward, giving the Grizzlies a chance to evaluate his potential as a rising NBA talent.

The details

Small shot an impressive 7-for-10 from the field, including 2-for-4 from beyond the arc, and also added six rebounds and four assists. Though his efforts were strong, the Grizzlies slipped to a 20-31 record on the season.

  • On Saturday night, February 8, 2026

The players

Javon Small

A former guard for the West Virginia University Mountaineers, who was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 48th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Ja Morant

The star guard for the Memphis Grizzlies who is currently sidelined due to injury.

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What’s next

The Memphis Grizzlies will continue to monitor Javon Small's performance as he receives increased playing time in Ja Morant's absence, evaluating his potential as a rising NBA talent.

The takeaway

Javon Small's career-high performance off the bench for the Memphis Grizzlies showcases his potential as a valuable asset for the team, especially with Ja Morant sidelined. His efficient scoring and versatile contributions suggest he could become an important part of the Grizzlies' rotation moving forward.