Oct 25, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts after a three point basket against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

Cedric Coward turned in a rare stat line on Saturday for the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies, earning praise from coach Tuomas Iisalo afterward in a winning effort.

Coward produced 27 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal in a 128-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers at FedExForum. He finished by shooting 9-of-13 from the field, including a perfect 6-of-6 from 3-point range, in 23 minutes off the bench.

The 11th pick became the first rookie in franchise history to make at least six 3-pointers in a game without a miss. He is just the 11th first-year player to accomplish such a feat and the first since Saddiq Bey in February 2021, according to Stathead.

"As you make more and more shots, the rim gets wider and wider," Coward said after the game. "That is just something I saw. My teammates did a really good job of putting me in the right position to get the shots I wanted. ... I trust what I do. I trust the work I put in."

Coward is averaging 19 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals on 72.7% shooting from 3-point range in three appearances to begin the season. He has scored in double figures in each game, while going 8-of-11 from beyond the arc.

The 22-year-old has shot the ball confidently from 3-point range after going just 3-of-26 across five games in the preseason. The display has been a welcome addition, with the team currently down Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Vince Williams Jr.

Coward is taking advantage of his opportunity with so many key players sidelined. The team has been impressed with his disposition and attitude in the early going and is eager to see how he can continue to impact games on the court.

"He is very super professional," Iisalo said. "When he comes, he has been putting in the work. Between the game in New Orleans and yesterday's game (against Miami), he went through basically a live practice. It is not just him; that is all of the young guys. Due to the situation with the health, these guys have gotten a great opportunity, and Ced is using every minute of it."

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Grizzlies' Cedric Coward praised for 'super professional' approach to rookie year

Reporting by Cody Taylor, Rookie Wire / Rookie Wire

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