Two years later, the Lakers and LeBron James returned to the playoffs, in the shoes of the underdogs of their series of the first round against the Grizzlies. Without home field advantage, but with this dynamic that has earned them the title of the best team in the Western Conference since All-Star Weekend.
A status that obviously had nothing to do with the teammates of Ja Morant, but that the “Purple & Gold” wanted to assume on the floor, because they achieved the kind of performance necessary to give themselves a chance to achieve the “upset”. Guided by Anthony Davis (22 points, 12 rebounds, 7 blocks, 3 steals) and LeBron James (21 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks) but above all Rui Hachimura (29 points, 6 rebounds) and Austin Reaves (23 points), without forgetting D’Angelo Russell (19 points, 7 assists), the players of Los Angeles have thus surprised entry (128-112) Jaren Jackson Jr. (31 points) and others.
An authoritative performance from the Lakers on the floor of the Grizzlies, which therefore allows them to approach Game 2 with confidence and without the slightest pressure on the shoulders, because the essential is already done: winning once on the move.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
— A gala collective in Los Angeles. While Anthony Davis mostly dominated from the shadows, doing all the things that help a team win on either side, and LeBron James blew hot and cold, the two Lakers leaders could see that their regular teammates to settle for crumbs also had a real role to play in these playoffs. Between Rui Hachimura’s 3-point hot shot, Austin Reaves’ ability to kill the game, Jarred Vanderbilt’s defense on Ja Morant or D’Angelo Russell’s baskets in hard times, Darvin Ham’s men therefore particularly appealed collectively.
— A boss’s “money time” for Los Angeles. Three minutes from the end of the game, the Lakers only led by one point after a basket from Jaren Jackson Jr. (113-112). Then, the Austin Reaves show started again to launch a “run” of… 15-0 (!) to which the Grizzlies will never respond! Helped by Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura, the Californian “combo guard” dismantled the opposing defense with disconcerting ease and, in his wake, Darvin Ham’s men won this nice opening success. We would have almost forgotten that LeBron James is playing alongside Reaves!
— A warning for Anthony Davis, a warning for Ja Morant. The physical aspect is one of the keys to this series and, from Game 1, two major players had to leave their teammates along the way, to return to the locker room. First, Anthony Davis in the second quarter, for a stiff arm, but the Lakers inside eventually came back and resumed his job in the paint. Then, Ja Morant in the fourth quarter, after a fall on his right hand, but he never came back into play. To be continued, then…
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Rui Hachimura. As mentioned above, the collective of Los Angeles was monstrous to get this victory away but, if we had to retain one performance more than another, it would undoubtedly be that of the Japanese, who equaled the record points of a replacement for the Lakers in the playoffs (from Mychal Thompson in 1988)! Particularly skilful from afar (5/6), he punished the slightest space he inherited in attack, especially in the third quarter. Also proving to be valuable in defense to hold Jaren Jackson Jr. or Ja Morant in sequence, because his mobility and size make him one of Darvin Ham’s perfect soldiers.
✅ Jaren Jackson Jr.. Among the keys to this series, “JJJ” was not missed in this inaugural meeting. Taking advantage of those moments when Anthony Davis was not on the floor or in defense against him to aggressively punish the smaller defenders who were up against him. Also inspired by shooting, the interior of Memphis was the compass of his team in this Game 1, especially since he was able to play 37 minutes, avoiding these silly mistakes that he can tend to commit. But that was unfortunately not enough to snatch the victory.
⛔ Dillon Brooks. Eager to find LeBron James in these playoffs, the rear / winger of the Grizzlies was therefore served, but he did not show himself up to the appointment. Both defensively and offensively, as he suffered several quick fouls which pushed him to the bench very early, but it was ultimately not so handicapping for Memphis, since the Canadian was terribly clumsy (2/9 3-pointers), despite several good shooting positions. However, his ability to return the open shots from which he benefits (will) could change a lot of things in this series…
THE FOLLOWING
Game 2still in Memphis, on the night of Wednesday to Thursday (01:30).
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D= defensive rebound; T = Total Bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
