The Memphis Grizzlies would prefer to compete with Ja Morant either soaring in the air, drilling a timely shot or making a nifty pass. Yet, the Grizzlies have managed just fine when Morant has either stayed on the sidelines in street clothes or been away from the team as punishment for his off-the-court behavior.
Perhaps then it shouldn’t be surprising that the Grizzlies finished with a 103-93 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday in Game 2 of their first-round NBA playoff series. Memphis may have sorely missed Morant’s athleticism, scoring and playmaking while he sat on the bench to heal his injured right hand after taking a hard fall in Game 1. But the Grizzlies have had experience with adjusting without their star player.
Memphis’ entire starting lineup cracked double figures, including Xavier Tillman (22 points), Jaren Jackson Jr. (18), Desmond Bane (17), Dillon Brooks (12) and Tyus Jones (10). Grizzlies reserve guard Luke Kennard added 13 points while going 4-for-7 from the field and 3-for-4 from 3-point range. And the Grizzlies leaned in on their physicality to limit Lakers forward Anthony Davis to 13 points on a 4-for-14 clip.
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For better and for worse, the Grizzlies have become accustomed toward playing without Morant. They actually have thrived well without him. Memphis had a 20-5 record last season without Morant when he missed various games with injuries. The Grizzlies also went 6-3 this season while Morant was suspended last month for posting an Instagram Live video of himself holding a gun at a Denver nightclub.
Containing Anthony Davis a key for Memphis Grizzlies
Clearly the Grizzlies are better with Morant, who has already made two NBA All-Star appearances and has become one of the league’s future superstars in his fourth season. The Grizzlies hoped Morant could heal his right hand before Game 2 after he drove into Davis and took a hard fall late in Game 1. Memphis has maintained optimism Morant at least can return for when the Lakers host Game 3 on Saturday (10 pm ET, ESPN). But the Grizzlies can at least feel comforted they have learned how to manage without him.
Granted, the Grizzlies fulfilled that job description against a Lakers team that clearly didn’t have the same edge as they had in a Game 1 win. Anthony Davis lacked the aggressiveness he showed in Game 1. Austin Reaves (12 points on 5-for-12 shooting) and D’Angelo Russell (five points on 2-for-11 shooting) had poor nights after previously having breakout performances. Aside from LeBron James (28 points) and Rui Hachimura (20), the Lakers offered nothing elsewhere.
But some of the Lakers’ struggles also stems from how the Grizzlies played them. Memphis swarmed Davis any time he had the ball. The Grizzlies took the Lakers’ role players more seriously than they did in Game 1. And Memphis loved playing physical, including when Brooks talked trash to James during a failed third-quarter rally after collecting his fourth foul.
The Memphis Grizzlies showing their balance
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The Lakers might have more championship experience. On paper, the Lakers might have more talent. Yet, Memphis has a balanced team equipped to absorb Morant’s absences, let alone the season-ending injuries to Steven Adams (right knee) and Brandon Clarke (left Achilles).
Jones has become one of the NBA’s best backup point guards, and has proven more than capable of directing the offense when Morant has been sidelined with his calmness and smarts. Bane has thrived as a backcourt scorer both with and without Morant. Jackson Jr. won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award because of his league-leading 3.0 blocks per game and positional versatility. Brooks has relished being the team’s villain against some of the league’s top players. Kennard has remained one of the NBA’s most accurate 3-point shooters.
Will that be enough to take control of the series? Who knows.
The Lakers still have home-court advantage. They appear likely to play with more discipline in Game 3. And when healthy, the Lakers have a more talented and experienced roster.
Yet, the Lakers will likely face a rested Morant eager to unleash his frustrations and pent-up energy on the court. The Grizzlies are unlikely to feel overwhelmed with the hostile road environment that may include FS1 personality Shannon Sharpe heckling them just as he did in a regular-season game.
After all, Memphis appears more emboldened with their play after thriving well without Morant in Game 2. For better and for worse, the Grizzlies have become used to dealing with that possibility all season.
Mark Medina is an NBA Insider for Sportsnaut. Follow him on Twitter and on Instagram.