The Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies are currently facing off in the first round of the NBA playoffs. In the first game, the Lakers were able to pull off a win thanks to a late-game surge driven by Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. However, in the second game, the Grizzlies were able to dominate from the start, leading by 15 points at halftime and ultimately securing a victory. The Lakers struggled with shooting, particularly from D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis. They will need to step up their game in the upcoming games in order to take advantage of their home court advantage and keep the young Grizzlies squad at bay. This will also be the Lakers' first playoff game with a full house since 2018, adding to the anticipation for the game.
On the other hand, the Grizzlies have shown that they can manage without their All-Star guard Ja Morant, who has been sidelined due to a hand injury. They have a 33-17 record without him this season, including in the playoffs. In Game 2, they started off strong, dominating the Lakers on the boards and in the paint. Center Xavier Tillman and backup point guard Tyus Jones played pivotal roles in the team's victory. However, with Ja Morant still questionable for Game 3, the Grizzlies will need to maintain their defensive intensity and improve their shooting in order to steal another game on the road against the Lakers.
Contributor: Ogunremi Abdul-Muiz Ayodeji (@Forza_Speziale)
Editor: Josh Bhagratie (@jshyb_)