Marvin Bagley III was the top-scoring 2018 draftee in his Grizzlies playoff debut, outscoring all other members of his draft class on Sunday 😮

In one of the most unexpected storylines of this year’s NBA Playoffs, Marvin Bagley III stole the spotlight on Sunday with a breakout performance in his playoff debut for the Memphis Grizzlies. The former No. 2 overall pick from the 2018 NBA Draft led all members of his draft class in scoring that night, outshining bigger names like Luka Dončić, Trae Young, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a game that could mark a turning point in his career.

Bagley poured in 26 points off the bench, shooting an efficient 11-of-16 from the field, and added 8 rebounds in just 28 minutes of action. His energy and aggression in the paint gave Memphis a huge lift, helping them rally from an early double-digit deficit to secure a 109-104 win in Game 1 of their first-round matchup.

A Career Rebirth in Memphis

It’s been a winding road for Bagley since being drafted second overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2018, ahead of generational talents like Luka and Trae. Injuries, inconsistent playing time, and front office drama derailed much of his early development. After a stint in Detroit that showed flashes of promise, Bagley was acquired by the Grizzlies in a midseason trade this year—a move that many saw as a low-risk depth addition rather than a key playoff piece.

But Sunday night changed that narrative.

“I just stayed ready,” Bagley told reporters postgame. “This team believed in me. Coach gave me a role, and I wanted to make the most of it. I’ve worked too hard to let the past define me.”

And it showed. Bagley was a force on the offensive glass, capitalizing on second-chance points, finishing strong around the rim, and even knocking down a mid-range jumper or two to keep the defense honest. His athleticism, long a calling card, was on full display.

Outshining His Class — For a Night

What made Bagley’s performance even more notable was how it stacked up against the rest of his draft class. Luka Dončić struggled with efficiency in Dallas’ Game 1 loss, scoring 21 points on 7-of-20 shooting. Trae Young had a quiet 17 points in Atlanta’s defeat, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—though steady—was held to 23 points in a tightly contested battle with the Pelicans.

Bagley, long viewed as the biggest “what-if” of the 2018 draft, ended the night as its highest scorer—an eye-popping twist for NBA fans who remember the controversy surrounding his selection.

“It’s poetic, in a way,” said one Western Conference scout. “All these years later, after all the noise, Marvin Bagley III leads the 2018 class in a playoff game. That’s the league for you.”

Grizzlies’ X-Factor Moving Forward?

With Memphis dealing with injuries to key frontcourt players, including Brandon Clarke and Steven Adams, Bagley’s emergence couldn’t have come at a better time. His ability to play both the four and five gives head coach Taylor Jenkins added flexibility in a postseason series that promises to be physical and fast-paced.

“Marv gave us a huge spark,” Jenkins said. “We love what he brings—the rebounding, the effort, and now the scoring punch too. He’s earned these minutes.”

If Bagley can maintain this level of play, the Grizzlies suddenly have a new wrinkle to throw at opponents—an athletic, confident big who can exploit mismatches and bring playoff experience from his time in Detroit.

A Redemption Arc in Motion

For Bagley, Sunday night may have been more than just a big game—it might be the start of a redemption arc. After years of being labeled a bust, he’s now writing a new chapter in Memphis, one filled with opportunity, belief, and finally, results.

There’s still a long way to go in this series—and the postseason—but for one night, Marvin Bagley III was the name everyone was talking about. And maybe, just maybe, he’s only getting started.