What Went Wrong for Memphis? Analyzing the Grizzlies’ Loss to the Lakers

The Memphis Grizzlies’ 116-110 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night exposed critical issues despite some standout individual performances. Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with a dominant 40 points and 16 rebounds, while Austin Reaves and LeBron James provided strong supporting efforts. 

Memphis struggled with turnovers, Ja Morant’s shooting inconsistencies, and missed opportunities throughout the game. However, Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 25-point effort offered a silver lining as the Grizzlies look to rebound from the defeat.

Anthony Davis Dominates for the Lakers

Anthony Davis delivered a masterclass performance, matching his season highs with 40 points and 16 rebounds. Davis showcased his ability to influence both ends of the floor, proving once again why he is a critical piece for the Lakers.

Davis briefly left the game with 5:30 remaining in the third quarter after a collision with Memphis center Zach Edey during a rebounding contest. Despite concerns over his left shoulder injury, Davis returned with 9:19 left in the fourth quarter and immediately made an impact, scoring seven straight Lakers points to keep Memphis at bay.

LeBron James’ Return Sparks Lakers’ Fast Start

Returning after missing two games with a foot injury, LeBron James quickly made his presence felt. James contributed 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, providing the Lakers with the leadership they needed to secure the win.

James dished out two assists to Davis in the opening minute and followed up with a thunderous slam and a chase-down block on Desmond Bane. James then scored on a tip-in to extend the Lakers’ lead to 9-2 in the early moments.

Slow Start Costs Memphis 

The Grizzlies struggled offensively in the opening period, finishing 5-of-20 from the field. Their 20 first-quarter points marked their lowest-scoring opening quarter of the season.

Davis dominated the first quarter with 12 points and seven rebounds, helping the Lakers close the quarter with a 30-20 lead. Memphis’ inability to match Davis’ energy set the tone for the remainder of the game.

Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Standout Performance

Despite the loss, Jaren Jackson Jr. shone for the Grizzlies, leading the team with 25 points. Jackson’s effort kept Memphis competitive, though his night ended prematurely after fouling out late in the game.

Jackson Jr.’s contributions were cut short when he fouled out, further complicating the Grizzlies’ comeback attempt. His absence in the closing minutes left Memphis without their best scorer on the floor.

Ja Morant’s Shooting Woes and Turnovers

Ja Morant finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, but his performance was marred by a 6-of-21 shooting clip and seven turnovers. Morant’s struggles proved costly as Memphis failed to capitalize on opportunities to close the gap.

Despite his inconsistencies, Morant made key plays late in the game, including a reverse layup that brought Memphis within seven points at 105-98 with 5:24 left. However, the Grizzlies were unable to complete the comeback.

Memphis’ Third-Quarter Comeback Attempt

After falling behind by 23 points (81-58) with 6:22 remaining in the third quarter, the Grizzlies took advantage of Davis’ brief absence to mount a comeback.

Memphis closed the quarter on a 19-5 run, cutting the Lakers’ lead to single digits. Key plays from Morant and Jackson Jr. fueled the surge, offering hope heading into the final frame.

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Austin Reaves Shines for the Lakers 

Austin Reaves played a critical role for Los Angeles, scoring 19 points and adding eight assists. Reaves’ contributions ensured the Lakers maintained their lead and secured the victory.

Reaves was instrumental in the Lakers’ 10-0 run during the second quarter, which extended their lead to 44-29. His three-point shooting and playmaking ability kept Memphis’ defense off balance.

Missed Opportunities Plague the Grizzlies

Turnovers and poor shooting were key factors in Memphis’ inability to complete the comeback. The Grizzlies’ offensive struggles in the first half created a deficit too large to overcome.

The Grizzlies’ 5-of-20 shooting in the first quarter set the tone for their offensive woes. Although they improved later in the game, the slow start ultimately proved insurmountable.

Key Takeaways for the Grizzlies

The loss highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of the Memphis Grizzlies. While Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 25 points showed promise, the team’s struggles with turnovers and shooting inconsistencies need to be addressed moving forward.

The Grizzlies must focus on limiting turnovers, improving their shooting efficiency, and maintaining defensive intensity throughout the game.

A Hard-Fought Loss With Lessons for Memphis

The Memphis Grizzlies’ 116-110 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers was marked by standout performances from Jaren Jackson Jr. and Anthony Davis, but also by Memphis’ early struggles and Ja Morant’s shooting inconsistencies. 

While the Lakers’ stars shone brightly, Memphis’ comeback effort fell short despite glimpses of promise. The Grizzlies will need to regroup, learn from this defeat, and focus on improving their execution in the games to come.