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Desmond Bane’s career night not enough in Grizzlies loss to Lakers
Yuta Watanabe is thrilled to be back with the Memphis Grizzlies after a recent trade from Phoenix. The Grizzlies faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers in a high-scoring game where defense seemed optional. Despite a strong third-quarter comeback, the Grizzlies fell short in a 136-124 loss. Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 26 points and a career-high 16 assists, while Jake LaRavia set new career highs with seven made 3-pointers and 25 points. Lakers star Anthony Davis was absent due to injury, allowing Rui Hachimura to shine with 32 points and 10 rebounds. Brandon Clarke also made his return to the court, contributing six points and five rebounds. LeBron James recorded a triple-double in the game. Next, the Grizzlies will face the Orlando Magic on the road.
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Offense was the name of the game in early goings of Wednesday’s matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers. Both teams scored more than 60 points in a first half where defense looked optional.
It became apparent that whichever team stepped up defensively would create separation. The Lakers ended up being that team after ballooning their lead from eight at halftime to as many as 27 points in the third quarter.
The hole was too steep for the Grizzlies in a 136-124 loss at FedExForum.
Memphis closed the third quarter on a 21-4 run to enter the fourth down 10 points. A 3-pointer from Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia extended the run to 24-4 before a Rui Hachimura 3-pointer.
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The Grizzlies (24-49) were led by Desmond Bane, who had a dynamic offensive night. He finished with 26 points and a career high with 16 assists. His previous career high of 13 assists came in a game earlier this season against the Lakers.
LaRavia also set new career highs with seven made 3-pointers and 25 points.
Lakers star Anthony Davis missed Wednesday’s game due to a left knee hyperextension. That cleared the way for Hachimura to join the starting lineup and have a big night. He led the Lakers (41-32) with 32 points and added 10 rebounds. LeBron James added a triple-double .
Here are some takeaways from Wednesday’s game.
Brandon Clarke makes return
Brandon Clarke headed for the scorer’s table to make his Grizzlies debut midway through the first quarter, and the FedExForum crowded reacted by giving him a standing ovation. Known as an instant offense type of player, it didn’t take Clarke long to get his first basket. After four quick points, Clarke didn’t score again until near the end of the third quarter. The team Clarke is playing with now is drastically different from the one last season. There will be an adjustment period not just for Clarke, but for his Grizzlies teammates who are learning his game. He finished with six points and five rebounds in 21 minutes.
LeBron James stats vs Grizzlies
James made his return from a one-game absence and looked fresh on Wednesday night. The 39-year-old Lakers star was in control and impacted the game in many ways. He ran the floor and threw down an impressive alley-oop dunk, and he also orchestrated scoring opportunities for his teammates. He started the game by making his first six shots. He finished the night with a triple-double. James recorded 22 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists.
Rui Hachimura dooms Grizzlies again
There were flashbacks from Game 1 of last season’s first round playoffs series between the Lakers and Grizzlies with each shot Hachimura made. That was the game where the Grizzlies elected to make Hachimura shoot, and he made them pay by making five of his six 3-point attempts. Hachimura was back in FedExForum making the Grizzlies pay for not closing out strong enough on him at the 3-point line. He made seven of eight 3-pointers. After his fifth make, Hachimura peeked over in the direction of the Grizzlies bench and smiled. That shot came after Jaren Jackson Jr. closed out against him, but the Grizzlies center dropped his hands and allowed Hachimura to get a clean look. Hachimura got good looks earlier in the game. By the time the defense put more attention on the Lakers forward, it was too late.
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What’s next
The Grizzlies will head back on the road for a game Saturday against the Orlando Magic. This will be the Grizzlies’ fifth road matchup in their past six games. Memphis won its first meeting against the Magic this season.
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The Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers in a high-scoring matchup that saw both teams lighting up the scoreboard in the first half. However, it was the Lakers’ defense that ultimately made the difference, allowing them to pull away and secure a 136-124 victory at FedExForum.
Desmond Bane had a standout performance for the Grizzlies, finishing with 26 points and a career-high 16 assists. His dynamic offensive night was not enough to overcome the Lakers, who were led by Rui Hachimura’s 32 points and 10 rebounds in the absence of Anthony Davis.
Brandon Clarke made his debut for the Grizzlies and received a warm welcome from the crowd. Although he contributed six points and five rebounds in 21 minutes, there will be an adjustment period as he integrates into the team’s lineup.
LeBron James returned to the Lakers’ lineup and put up an impressive triple-double with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists. His impact on the game was felt on both ends of the court, showcasing his timeless skill and leadership.
Rui Hachimura’s performance was particularly notable, as he torched the Grizzlies from beyond the arc, making seven of his eight 3-point attempts. His sharpshooting proved to be a thorn in the Grizzlies’ side, reminiscent of his past playoff heroics against them.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies will hit the road for a matchup against the Orlando Magic. This game marks their fifth road game in their last six outings, with Memphis aiming to bounce back from their loss to the Lakers.
In conclusion, despite Desmond Bane’s stellar showing and Brandon Clarke’s debut, the Grizzlies fell short against the Lakers due to their defensive struggles. The team will need to regroup and focus on tightening up their defense in future games to secure more victories.
For more insights into the Grizzlies’ season and upcoming matchups, be sure to check out the latest updates on the Commercial Appeal’s sports section. Don’t miss out on the action as the Grizzlies continue their journey in the NBA.
