The Memphis Grizzlies took on the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday night, where the Lakers pulled out a narrow 128-123 victory in a highly competitive game marked by strategic plays and pivotal moments.
Foul Trouble and Decisive Shift in Memphis Defense
A key factor that impacted Memphis was foul trouble, with Zach Edey and Jaren Jackson Jr. facing difficulties that led to Jackson going to the bench midway through the fourth quarter.
This change allowed the Lakers to take advantage of the Grizzlies' weakened defense and launch a decisive 10-2 run, allowing them to take the lead towards the end of the game.
Jaren Jackson Jr. stood out for the Grizzlies, posting an impressive 29-point performance that kept Memphis in the contest. The bench also contributed, with players like Zach Edey, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia each reaching double figures in scoring.
Marcus Smart's return was especially significant, as he had missed the previous six games due to an ankle injury; he made a solid comeback with 14 points off the bench, providing stability and an additional scoring option for Memphis.
On the Lakers' side, LeBron James put on a dominant display with a triple-double performance, his third in a row. He scored 35 points, dished out 14 assists and grabbed 12 rebounds, with a remarkable efficiency in hitting 13 of 22 from the field, including 4 of 7 from beyond the arc.
James' consistent offensive ability set the tone for the Lakers throughout the game. Anthony Davis also had a crucial impact, especially in the fourth quarter, where he scored 11 of his 21 total points.
Lakers Leverage Bench Strength to Secure Victory
The Lakers also benefited greatly from the bench, with rookie Dalton Knecht and Rui Hachimura each scoring 19 points. Knecht was especially effective from the three-point line, hitting all five of his attempts, which contributed to the Lakers' solid performance from the perimeter throughout the game.
In terms of personal achievements, Anthony Davis reached a major career milestone by scoring a layup at 7:51 in the first quarter, which took him to 18,000 career points.
This accomplishment makes Davis the 80th player in NBA history to reach this scoring threshold. He also joined an exclusive group of only 12 players since the 1973-74 season to reach at least 18,000 points, 7,000 rebounds and 1,500 blocks, highlighting his versatility and consistent performance.
The dynamics of the game saw the Lakers trailing by five points (96-91) going into the fourth quarter, but they started the final half on a 10-2 run that quickly turned the tide in their favor.
The lead changed three times during the final quarter until Davis' three-pointer secured the Lakers' lead. James' ability to maintain consistent scoring and facilitate key plays, along with Davis' drive, proved pivotal as Los Angeles was able to withstand Memphis' competitive efforts.
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Records and Upcoming Matches
Statistically, the Grizzlies showed impressive balance in their scoring, with seven players reaching double figures. This was the fourth consecutive game in which they achieved this goal, demonstrating their collective approach on offense.
Meanwhile, the Lakers set a season-high by hitting 20 three-pointers, highlighting their efficiency from the perimeter. Knecht's flawless performance from the three-point line was especially notable and helped the Lakers maintain a strong offensive rhythm.
With the win, the Lakers improved their season record to 7-4 and notched their sixth consecutive home win, bringing their home mark to 6-0. This is the first undefeated home record since the 2010-11 season, highlighting their effectiveness playing at Crypto.com Arena.
Both teams have games scheduled for the NBA Cup on Friday. The Memphis Grizzlies will travel to face the Golden State Warriors, while the Los Angeles Lakers will head to San Antonio to play the Spurs, setting the stage for another round of competitive matchups.
