After losing Game 1 at home to the Lakers on Sunday, the Memphis Grizzlies had something to prove. And since Ja Morant’s availability for Wednesday night’s Game 2 was in doubt, many prematurely declared the series over. The Grizzlies were written off by some pundits and fans.
Morant had been a game-time decision due to a right hand injury re-aggravated in Game 1; however, it was announced an hour before tip-off that he was out. Despite it all, the Grizzlies went on to beat the Lakers, 103-93, to even the best-of-seven series, 1-1.
X Gave It to Them
Xavier Tillman, Sr. had himself a game on Wednesday night. He led his team to victory by dropping a career-high 22 points and grabbed a season-high 13 boards off of 10-of-13 shooting.
“I think it’s a true sign of a winner,” Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said of Tillman. “It’s a true sign of a pro, and that’s why we love X, a guy who always stays ready. He wants to impact winning in whatever his role is going to be.”
“[He] comes out in the second half of the regular season and makes a tremendous impact. Does it tonight in the biggest game of the season for us. True testament to him for keeping his body ready, his mind ready. For him, it’s just, ‘Let me get ready for the next challenge, the next day.’”
Jenkins added, “Obviously, this is a big win for us and a great performance by him and other guys as well. No highs, no lows. We just have to keep focusing ahead, and that’s what he’s been a prime example of: a guy, when he’s played well, when he’s gotten his opportunities, he’s just focused on the next challenge ahead.”
“I’m just trying to assert myself, watch the film,” Tillman said after his breakout performance. “The first game, I didn’t really assert myself. I was kind of going through the motions. Coach had mentioned it in the couple meetings we had about the urgency that we need to play with. I just felt like I need to turn that up and turn on my energy level and be more assertive and more aggressive early on.”
Tillman is the epitome of the next-man-up mentality. Due to injuries to Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke, Tillman’s playing time has increased.
Tillman, who has had stints in the Summer League, the G League, and several DNPs, has now come full circle. Right now, he’s on the biggest stage after leading his team to a playoff victory over LeBron James and the Lakers.
“You couldn’t write this, bro — it’s humbling, it’s humbling,” Tillman said with a laugh when asked about his journey this season. “It lets me know that no matter what I’m going through, it will always pass. I just saw a video about it yesterday. Life is like a wave. Like, you’re on your wave feeling good, and then it might crash. You might be down for a little bit, waiting for your next wave to come, but it’ll come. That’s just how life works. As long as you keep working and keep trusting, everything that you’ve been putting in, it will come to fruition, and it is crazy though. I’ll tell you that.”
Observers often say he’s undersized against other bigs, but the Michigan State alum is confident in his abilities. He said, “It’s probably my ability to rebound with the best of them. I accredit that to my God-given length. I got a 7’2” wing-span. Shoutout to my mom and my dad. I got a 7’2” wing-span. I know how to use my body before the ball hits the rim, so I have an advantage to get offensive or defensive rebounds. That’s probably what they mean about me playing big, it’s just me being able to rebound with the best of them.”
They call him Jitty
John Konchar didn’t see the floor in Game 1 but came up huge for his team defensively in Game 2. People will be talking about his block against Anthony Davis for years to come.
Luke Kennard said the dunk was insane. “Jitty [Konchar] is a guy who is selfless and he will do whatever it takes to help the team win,” Kennard said.
Konchar told reporters after the game: “I went up for it and I got it —that’s about it.”
DPOY
Prior to the game, Jaren Jackson, Jr. was given the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of Year award before the home crowd.
Jackson finished the game with 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in 40 minutes of play. Jackson also had a huge highlight block of his own against Davis.
Up Next
The series shifts to Los Angeles on Saturday night for Game 3 at 9 p.m. CST. Local broadcast on Bally Sports Southeast and on ESPN nationally.
