The Memphis Grizzlies played one of their worst games of basketball of the year. Unfortunately, it happened in national television and in the first round of the NBA playoffs. When the final buzzer sounded, the score was 111-101 with the Los Angeles Lakers on top and taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
Let’s get into it.
Y’all. This was a mess. In the first quarter, the Lakers outscored the Grizzlies 35-9. Yes, the Grizzlies only scored NINE POINTS in the first quarter. Lowest-scoring quarter in franchise history.
In that first quarter, Memphis shot 12% (3 of 25) overall and 7.7% (1 of 13) from three-point range. They also turned the ball over six times, which the Lakers converted into 10 points.
The second quarter saw the Grizzlies playing better and managing to cut the Lakers’ lead to 16 points by halftime. They outscored the Lakers 28-18 in the second quarter, even after giving up seven points off five turnovers.
Dillon Brooks managed to get ejected 17 seconds into the third period for clocking LeBron James in the groin area. But that might have been an unexpected gift to this Memphis team, which played considerably better once Brooks left the game. The Grizzlies outscored the Lakers in the second half 64-58, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit created by their nine-point first quarter.
Dillon Brooks talked a lot of smack about LeBron after Game 2, and predictably, his comments were picked up by all the major sports media outlets. LeBron James might be old (for an NBA player) but he is still one of the greatest players of all time.
Let’s be clear, the Grizzlies are by no means out of this series, but they are going to have to play a lot better than they did Saturday night. Poor shot selection, careless ball handling, weak defense, and Dillon Brooks acting a fool — these are all things the Grizzlies need to shore up between now and Game 4 on Monday.
The one bright spot in this whole mess was Ja Morant returning to the lineup and putting up a masterful performance.
Hopefully, the Grizzlies treat this game as a learning experience and come out playing with a greater sense of urgency in Game 4.
By The Numbers:
Morant led all scorers with 45 points, 9 rebounds, and 13 assists while shooting 6 of 10 from three-point range and 13 of 14 from the free-throw line.
Desmond Bane finished the night with 18 points, 5 rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Jaren Jackson Jr had a quiet night offensively, with just 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals.
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday, April 24th and once again tip-off will be at 9 PM CDT.