The Lakers are still clutch against the Grizzlies

The matchups are back-to-back and similar to the Lakers dominating the Grizzlies for the second time in 48 hours. Trailing by 16 points in the first half, JJ Redick’s team relied on the talent of the same trio with 36 points for Luka Doncic and 26 points for the indestructible LeBron James andthe amazing Jake LaRavia.

However, it was the Grizzlies who took the lead early on, with Jock Landale and Cedric Coward finishing. There is diversity in play and skill on both sides, and on the Lakers’ side, Luka Doncic holds the bench to tie the game (17-17) and then give the Lakers the advantage (23-22). The Slovenian scored 12 points in the first quarter, with good support from Jared Vanderbilt. It’s just that they can’t be helped, and GG Jackson’s Grizzlies take advantage of the opportunity to go 12-3 in two minutes to regain control (34-26).

GG Jackson insists, and the Grizzlies take a 10-point lead. LeBron James lacks support, and the gap is growing. Cedric Coward plays without complexes and gives an advantage of 15 points in a nice exit (58-43). Looking for solutions, the Lakers turn to Jake LaRavia. After LeBron’s pass, the Lakers’ wing goes for a dunk, and at the break, the Lakers trail by only 11 points (65-54).

Luka Dončić closes the store

The second half started with a dunk by GG Jackson, but LaRavia hit two 3-pointers to keep the Lakers in touch. On his side, Deandre Ayton brings the Lakers back under 10 points. But the Grizzlies, without Ja Morant, can count on Santi Aldama to disrupt the Lakers’ defense and start another run to regain an 11-point lead (83-72). The Lakers aren’t scoring anymore, and their 3-point clumsiness is a penalty. Except that Lebron and Doncic finally find a target, and that changes everything! After a missed touchdown at the buzzer by GG Jackson, the Grizzlies lead by just 4 points (87-83).

The game becomes more tense, with plenty of free throws, and it is LeBron who scores the first basket of the game on a layup and then a 3-pointer to bring his team back within one point. Then LaRavia scored four points in a row on LeBron’s caviar to finally restore the lead to the Lakers seven minutes from the end (94-92).

The Grizzlies stick with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and then Jalen Wells. The moment that Luka Dončić chose to mark the end of the game with two winning baskets in a row. The deficit increased to +9 with two minutes left, and the Lakers resisted Jalen Wells’ free throws to eventually win 120-114.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Clutch Attitude. The Lakers still haven’t lost a close game, and this time it’s Luka Doncic who breaks the situation with his 3-point baskets. With Luke and LeBron on the court, the Lakers are playing at the right time.

Jake LaRevanche. Traded from the Grizzlies last season, Jake LaRavia is enjoying his revenge. Already the author of 21 points and 9 rebounds in the previous match, he repeated it with 26 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

Coward’s way out. Author of 13 points in the first half, Cedric Coward did not appear again after the break. A sprained ankle is to blame for that. Novak lacked nerve in the second half even though Jailen Wells and GG Jackson were very good.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.