Los Angeles Lakers defeated Memphis Grizzlies in the third game of the first-round playoff series by 111-101 to take a 2-1 series lead on Saturday night. The Lakers were able to hit the ground running as they took a 35-9 lead against the visitors.
It was pure domination from the home team as they ticked the right boxes. Anthony Davis had 31 points and 17 rebounds whereas James finished with 25 points to lead the Lakers to victory.
Meanwhile, Dillon Brooks was ejected 17 seconds into the second half for striking LeBron James in the groin.
“I didn’t make a statement,” James said as quoted by AP. “I’ve been doing this too long. I’m not making any statements. We had the opportunity to come home and play well on our home floor, and we did that. No statement was made. We just wanted to play well, and we got a win. I don’t need to make statements.”
On the other hand, Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant top scored with 45 points on his return. He also had 13 assists and nine rebounds but his efforts went in vain.
“I think we won by double digits in the last three quarters, so obviously that first quarter pretty much hurt us,” Morant said. “(I) feel pretty good, man. Obviously some stuff you’ve just got to play through and tolerate. … In that fourth quarter, I was just trying to win the game. Got it going pretty good, making shots, and just couldn’t get it over that hump.”
Meanwhile, Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins feels their offense impacted their defense in the first quarter but he was pleased with the way they fought in the next three frames of the game.
“I think we won by double digits in the last three quarters, so obviously that first quarter pretty much hurt us,” Morant said. “(I) feel pretty good, man. Obviously some stuff you’ve just got to play through and tolerate. … In that fourth quarter, I was just trying to win the game. Got it going pretty good, making shots, and just couldn’t get it over that hump.”
Game 4 will be played on Monday night in Los Angeles.
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