MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - In their first game without former coach Taylor Jenkins, Memphis fell to the Lakers 134-127.
The Lakers blitzed Memphis in the first half, scoring 72 points, shooting 52% from the field, and making 12 threes.
Memphis came out of halftime hot beyond the arc, knocking down 4 triples in the first 4 minutes to spark a 16-4 run to take the lead for the first time in the game.
The Lakers, however, would readjust and pour it back on, scoring 102 points in 3 quarters to lead by 3 going into the fourth.
The fourth quarter would show the Grizzlies’ key players starting to step up, mainly Jaren Jackson Jr.
Almost a complete no-show in the first half (2 shots taken), Jackson Jr. would score 22 points in the second half.
He would spark the 12-5 run to open the fourth quarter to give Memphis back the lead with 8 minutes to play.
The Lakers drawing fouls and knocking down free throws would pace them into getting back the lead and maintaining it to the end.
Hot starts in both the third and fourth quarters would be iced out by the Lakers, who ended both quarters very efficiently.
Luka Doncic, in his first meeting vs the Grizzlies as a Laker, flirted with a triple-double double scoring 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists.
Austin Reaves led the team with 31 points while LeBron James added 25.
Gabe Vincent was the X factor for LA tonight scoring 15 points and hitting 4 threes off the bench.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12)(Brandon Dill | AP)
In his first game since March 14, Ja Morant scored 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists.
He showed clear rust early but hit many key buckets late to keep Memphis in the game.
Desmond Bane would lead the team with 29 points and 5 threes.
Scotty Pippen Jr. continued his hot streak despite starting the game on the bench, scoring 16 points.
The 3 pointers were the key battle in the game that leaned in the Lakers’ favor as they made 19 three-pointers compared to 14 for Memphis.
With tonight’s loss Memphis will remain in fifth place in the West.
They will need to be at least to be at least fourth if they hope to host a playoff series in April.
Memphis will be back in action vs the defending champion Boston Celtics in the Forum at 6:30 p.m.
The Lakers will head south to face the Houston Rockets Monday night.
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