For his return, Luka Dončić (44 points) lights up the Grizzlies

To start their NBA Cup, the Lakers could count on a comeback Luka Dončić (44 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists) who just missed a few days of competition due to a sprained finger. If the Grizzlies take control early in the match, the Slovenian appears with 13 of his 44 points in this first quarter and gives the Lakers the advantage after nine minutes of play with a stepback at the helm. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (26-24). When former Dallas player joins the bench, that is Austin Reaves (21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists) who takes five points in a row and allows Los Angeles to lead 31:27 after twelve minutes of play.

A pencil that climbs to eight units after the “alley” between Luka Dončić and Deandre Aytonbut the Grizzlies immediately climb back into the lead. Tuomas Iisal’s men go on a 14-4 run that ends with a basket by Jock Landale to get back in front (52-50) and force JJ Redick to take a timeout. A timeout that doesn’t change anything as the Grizzlies go on a 13 point run including two baskets Jaylen Wells (60-50). I Marcus Smart tries to calm the fire with a 3-point shot, the visitors trail by 14 points when they reach the locker room (69-55).

Luka Doncic carries the Lakers

After the break, it was the Lakers’ turn to seal the series as Los Angeles built a 21-8 lead to tie the game thanks to a long-range shot by Luka Doncic who had already crossed the 30-point mark. The Slovenian is looking for an “alley-oop” Jackson Hayes to return the advantage to his family (78-76). Throughout the rest of this third act, the two teams trade shots like ten lead changes in this third quarter alone. The period during which the Grizzlies lead debates with only two small points (91-89).

A gap that was quickly erased by the Lakers who can count about the heroes of the match against Wukov to return to the front, namely the Austin Reaves duo – Jake LaRavia. To finish the match, Los Angeles accelerates. Rui Hachimura appears from far away just as Luka Doncic hits his sixth 3-pointer of the night to put his team up eleven points with six minutes left (108-97). A void Memphis couldn’t fill and ended up losing 117-112 to concede its third loss in six games.

The Lakers, for their part, are continuing their good momentum this season with four wins in six outings and will have a chance to continue against the Heat this week.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Doncic like Chamberlain. Before the injury, Luka Dončić had two outings with more than 40 points. The momentum was confirmed during this matchup against Memphis as he finished with 44 points on 14/27 shooting. Only Wilt Chamberlain started the season with three games with 40 or more points… Apart from the statistics, the Slovenian rated the game when the Lakers needed him the most. For starters, he’s the one who gives the Lakers the lead in the first act, then sparks his team’s scoring surge in the third quarter. Finally, he hit a 3-pointer that sealed the game six minutes from time.

– “Run” exchange. As the Lakers tried to close the gap in the second quarter, Memphis was able to rally and go on a 23-5 run before halftime to regain the lead. Since then the “run” worn by the “role players” of the Grizzlies Vince Williams Jr., Joc Landale and Jalen Wells came on during this good stretch. Except that right after halftime, Memphis collapsed and it was the Lakers’ turn to come up with a 27-4 restart and regain the lead. The “race” this time is led by the star of the evening, Luka Dončić.

– I Morant more cub than Grizzly. That Luka Doncic had a hot hand and that he was supported by Austin Reeves, the author of 21 points despite his clumsiness (shot 5/14), Jaren Jackson Jr. couldn’t help it I Morant in this match. The leader was transparent especially in the second half where he did not score a single point. The two-time All-Star finished his night with just eight points and a poor 3-of-14 shooting, including a disastrous 0-of-6 from distance. After the match, the leader looked angry with his coach…

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