Once is not custom, the Lakers enter their game well, thanks to the omnipresence of LeBron James coupled with the external address of Kyle Kuzma, holder in the absence of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (13-4). Back on the land of his first exploits, Marc Gasol is involved and sharp at the start of the match.
Problem, the awakening of the Grizzlies intervenes quickly and does not fail to be violent. Taking advantage of the offensive awkwardness (four minutes without a basket) and the defensive largesse of their visitors, Taylor Jenkins’ men will quite simply succeed in a scathing 17-0 “run” to settle comfortably in command (28-18)!
The return to play of LeBron James will bring back a little serenity on the side of Los Angeles, but the gap is created at the end of this first quarter (36-25). The reigning champions now find themselves helpless in the face of the insolent success and collective strike force of their opponents.
The Lakers bench determining
Off the bench, energetic Talen Horton-Tucker and Montrezl Harrell strive to wake up their teammates in the second act. But Memphis does not panic and keeps his lead (43-34). Until the defense of the Lakers does not tighten and does not drop the address of their hosts. Add to that a tandem Dennis Schröder – Anthony Davis finally aggressive and you get a new 13-4, which this time resets the counters to zero (47-47).
Despite the bleeding out of Marc Gasol, this end of half will see the “Purple & Gold” regain the advantage to return to the locker room at the top of a possession (56-54). Without shining, Frank Vogel’s men are still in front, being mainly saved by their bench.
After the break, the Grizzlies take advantage of the address at half mast of the Angelenos (four minutes without a basket), also more relaxed defensively, to lead again, in a meeting where the pace has fallen (66-62). Los Angeles is recovering, however, thanks, once again, to its always impactful replacements.
Led by the indestructible Montrezl Harrell, they are the ones who allow the Lakers to be in front of a possession, twelve minutes from the end of this game (77-75).
LeBron James takes care of everything
Discreet so far, LeBron James leaves his box in the fourth quarter. More aggressive, he is involved on the first 13 points of his team over the period, helping them to detach themselves dangerously (92-83). In the hard offensively, Memphis does not let himself be defeated and returns to contact thanks, precisely, to the exit of the “King”, gone to rest (95-90).
Quickly returned to business, LeBron James will take care of finishing the Grizzlies, serving Anthony Davis on “pick-and-roll” and then scoring a 3-point (101-90). As against the Spurs two days ago, the reigning champions will therefore have relied on their experience in the “money time” to get out of the trap set by a playful team but too muddled at the end (108-94).
Author of 22 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists, LeBron James was obviously the most visible on the Lakers side, while Anthony Davis (17 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks) made his figures in the shade. But it is especially the 37 units out of the bench of the trio Talen Horton-Tucker – Wesley Matthews – Montrezl Harrell who hurt the Tennessee players, meanwhile led by four players at 10 points or more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrCS8lc6veo
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