Five-Time All-Star Returns for the Lakers as LA Defeats Memphis in First NBA Cup Game of the Season
The Los Angeles Lakers achieved their second consecutive victory, bolstered by the return of a key player and demonstrating resilience in overcoming a significant deficit. Luka Dončić delivered an outstanding performance. A highlight of the game was the remarkable return of the five-time all-star, who had missed the previous three games due to injury. He delivered an impressive performance, scoring 44 points while also contributing 12 rebounds and six assists. His scoring drive in the second half was instrumental in rallying the team and erasing the Grizzlies' lead.
The Lakers' half-court offensive strategy proved highly effective, with both Dončić and Austin Reaves, who added 21 points, strategically breaking down the opposing defense. Their sustained pressure, combined with a high free-throw success rate, 26 of 33, enabled the team to maintain control throughout the latter stages of the game. The Lakers secure victory against the Grizzlies in their inaugural NBA Cup Game of the season. The game wasn't without its struggles, though the Lakers had to overcome a 14-point deficit in the first half by locking in defensively. Marcus Smart proved once again why he is the team’s defensive anchor. He dived for loose balls and made defensive plays that really sparked the offense.
The Grizzles, on the other hand, struggled to maintain their lead. They went from being mentioned as championship contenders last season to missing key players. Ja Morant was very frustrated during the game, scoring only eight points in the 117-112 loss. His other star teammate, Jaren Jackson Jr., barely scored and only had four rebounds as their primary big man. Both players need to be better, but the coaching staff has to be better as well. The Grizzles had a 42-point second quarter, and then, for some reason, Ja and Triple J were sidelined a lot in the second half. When you have a desperate Lakers team firing on all cylinders, that can't happen. If this type of performance continues for the Lakers, then LA might be title contenders after all, once the King returns. In a loaded Western Conference, the Lakers put on a performance that they can build off of as the season continues.
