The Memphis Grizzlies fell to the Los Angeles Lakers 111-101 Saturday night, and the Lakers seized a 2-1 lead. Although Memphis fought to the end, including an explosion from Ja Morant, the Grizzlies were unable to claw their way back from a stunning 9-point first quarter. Missed bunnies, lazy turnovers, and rushed shots from deep marked a period where the lights seemed too bright for the youngest team in the playoffs.
Despite Morant’s impressive heroics, the disappearance of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane ultimately contributed to a loss that might have been expected for a home team’s return, but didn’t have to be quite that ugly– especially not from Dillon Brooks. Brooks was ejected to begin the second half, throwing a completely unnecessary shot to Lebron James’s groin without making a play on the ball. In a crucial game three in a tied series, that can’t happen.
With another game at home, Los Angeles has an opportunity to go up 3-1, difficult to come back from for a Memphis team without so much of its crucial size to match Davis and James in the front court. Morant will need to continue to make crucial progress on getting back to top shape, and his co-stars need to play confidently alongside another highly productive game from him.
Let’s take a closer look at the notable performances of the night.
Ja Morant: A
Morant started the night slow, clearly impacted by the hand injury that kept him out of Memphis’s victory in the second home game. His handle was loose, and he struggled to get to his spots with the ball secure. However, a steady improvement throughout the second half grew into a vintage Ja explosion, one of those superstar nights where he seems unstoppable. Notably, Morant shot 6-10 from three, a welcome return from his dip through the season and a good sign for an injured hand that seemed to warm up as the game progressed. With 45 points, 9 rebounds, and 13 assists, he left fans feeling a bit more content about what might have been a memorable loss.
Morant gets an A. Healthy Ja might have done much more, but it’s hard to penalize a player for an injury, especially when they’re playing their role. Rim pressure and getting to the line kept Memphis in the game, even if it didn’t start very pretty. By the end of the game, the Morant who was unstoppable in transition, undeniable with his drives, and impossibly ready for the moment had returned. That’s someone who’s been missing for longer than just this series.
Desmond Bane: C
Bane’s absence has been disappointing.
Is he not built for the playoffs? Well, he showed up when Morant received the defensive attention against Minnesota.
Is it his toe injury? That’s unclear. He was capable for most of the calendar year on the same injury, though it certainly doesn’t help.
Is it the Lakers defense? Partially, but that’s not the full story.
It’s hard to tell why he’s been missing, and it’s not an easy answer. But it is easy to tell that he doesn’t look confident. Hesitant to create on-ball all night, Memphis could have used his downhill prowess, and a few misses to start seemed to stick in his head and scare him away from seeking his own shot behind the arc.
Although posting an efficient 18 points with 5 rebounds and 2 assists, Bane receives a C for his passiveness through the night. He can produce more, and it’s needed, as is the way his motion layers the offense.
Jaren Jackson Jr: B-
Jaren Jackson Jr. has played fantastically until Saturday night, shouldering an increased offensive load recently bestowed upon him on top of a DPOY’s share of defense.
His role isn’t easy, especially when he’s playing against Anthony Davis– an Anthony Davis who has heard two years of disrespect.
It’s hard to fault Jaren for a poorer game. Davis has earned his stripes for a reason, and he showed them. Frontcourt absences, exacerbated by the Brooks ejection, don’t leave very much margin of error, and it’s hard to look good when a guy like Davis is determined to get his.
Jaren receives a B- for playing his role, even if he struggled. The Lakers made a concerted effort to keep him out of the post, yet he still managed to work hard to make Davis defend him, although he lost the battle. Coaching adjustments and attention to detail, especially concerning the silly fouls, will be key to bringing out the Jackson Jr. from the first two games.
Team Grade: C
Overall, the Grizzlies receive a C grade for their first performance in Los Angeles, with a failing first half averaged out with a somewhat better second. In addition to Morant’s health, improvements from the co-stars, and coaching adjustments, the role players will need to continue to defend and hit their shots. C’s might get degrees, but not a series win– quite a bit will need to be improved on to steal the next win and stave off elimination.