Very pleasant start to the match for the Lakers, with a ball that circulates very well and skill at 3-points. LeBron James ends this first act with two award-winning baskets, the second of which at the buzzer. However, with an efficient Scotty Pippen Jr. and Marcus Smart, back from injury, who hits 3-pointers, the Grizzlies hang on (38-26). The “King” successfully insisted again behind the line but Memphis still resisted in the second quarter (65-64).
Then, upon returning from the locker room, the Grizzlies leave with more will. They took advantage of the Lakers' lost balls and went 8-0 to start the second half. Los Angeles lost its brilliance in the first moments of the match and only Dalton Knecht, with two 3-point shots in a row, woke up the room a little before the last quarter (91-96).
LeBron James ensures the reaction of the Lakers, imposing his muscles near the circle. Then, Anthony Davis comes off the bench, after being hampered by his fifth foul, and regains his aggression. The interior makes three baskets, including two at 3-points, and the Grizzlies, despite the efforts of Zach Edey and Jaren Jackson Jr., are on the ropes. The last seconds, with the game of free throws and “challenges” from coaches do not change the dynamic. The Lakers ended up winning 128-123 and still remained undefeated in their home arena.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The Awakening of Anthony Davis. Was the interior bothered by his eye? For a large part of the game, he made no difference in attack and, in defense, he certainly stole rebounds, but above all made mistakes. A lot. To the point of being at five in the third quarter. But when he returned last, we found the one who was the top scorer in the league until this meeting. Anthony Davis scored 11 points in a few moments and it was the boost the Lakers needed. He finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds.
– Third triple-double in a row for LeBron James. Unlike his All-Star teammate, the “King” was good from start to finish, with his five award-winning baskets, his assists and his dunks in the last quarter. With 35 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds, he compiled a third triple-double in a row. Never seen before at 39 years old and dust…
– Memphis’ missed opportunities. The Grizzlies did more than hang on the Lakers in this game. They took control in the third quarter. But, due to lack of skill, they missed the opportunity to kill their opponent. Santi Aldama had open shots but he only shot 2/7 from 3-point range, just like Jaren Jackson Jr., who didn't always make the right choices. The two posted an ugly 2/8 at 3-points in the third quarter, during Memphis' strong moment. Jay Huff and Jaylen Wells did not find the target behind the arc and, as the game progressed, Scotty Pippen Jr. lost his effectiveness.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
