UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the Memphis Grizzlies with a thrilling 120-114 victory on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena. Star player Luka Doncic led the charge with an impressive 36 points, nearly achieving a triple-double as the Lakers extended their winning streak.
The Lakers (22-11) faced the Grizzlies (15-20) just two days after their previous matchup, creating a playoff-like atmosphere. The Grizzlies, missing star guard Ja Morant due to a right calf contusion, came out strong, taking a 16-point lead in the second quarter. However, with Doncic’s leadership, the Lakers refused to back down.
As the game progressed, the tension heightened, with both teams exchanging leads in the fourth quarter. The pivotal moment came when Doncic scored to put the Lakers ahead 100-99, followed by a three-point play from LeBron James, giving the Lakers a crucial advantage at 104-99 with just under four minutes remaining.
Doncic’s back-to-back three-pointers late in the game cemented the victory, providing the Lakers a commanding nine-point lead with 2:01 left on the clock. James contributed significantly as well, finishing with 26 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. Jake LaRavia added 26 points, marking the ninth time in his career he scored over 20 points in a game.
Head coach JJ Redick praised the unique back-to-back scheduling, viewing it as an excellent opportunity for team growth. “I like it. It does replicate [the playoffs] in some ways,” Redick stated. He emphasized the need for improved defense, urging the Lakers to limit early scoring opportunities for the Grizzlies.
One of the Lakers’ key strategies involved jump-starting center Deandre Ayton, who had struggled in recent games. Ayton responded with a solid performance, scoring 15 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.
Looking ahead, the Lakers are poised to build on this momentum as they continue their season. Fans will be eager to see how this victory influences their upcoming games, particularly as they aim for a strong playoff positioning.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Lakers continue to make waves in the NBA!