Heading into Game 2 of their first-round NBA Playoff series, having already lost Game 1 to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Memphis Grizzlies likely didn’t need any extra motivation on Wednesday night. With two-time NBA All-Star Ja Morant ruled out with lingering finger soreness roughly an hour ahead of tip-off, the Grizzlies’ hunger only grew.
Once the game was underway at FedEx Forum, with reliable backup Tyus Jones replacing Morant as the starting point guard, it quickly became evident Memphis was still in good hands. The Grizzlies stormed out of the gates with 30 points in the first quarter, holding the Lakers to just 19. This was only the start of their reign.
The Grizzlies led by as many as 20 points, but aside from being slightly more efficient from distance, there wasn’t one area that we saw Memphis dominate in.
Instead, it was a complete effort, led by Xavier Tillman, who had a team-high 22 points and 13 rebounds, missing just three shots from the floor. Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. also chipped in 18 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and a steal in a complete effort while battling on the glass with Anthony Davis.
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Speaking of Davis, he did what he could defensively, recording five blocks, but struggled to get the shots to fall, finishing just 4-of-14 with 13 points and eight rebounds. Yet, Davis also took an elbow from Desmond Bane to his eye, which may have impacted his effectiveness.
LeBron James was his same Hall of Fame self, posting a game-high 28 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and a blocked shot. But going just 1-for-8 from three-point range surely didn’t help in a game the Lakers lost 103-93.
Obviously we can’t place the blame on any one Lakers player. The Grizzlies simply outplayed the Lakers tonight. Sometimes that’s just basketball in the Association.