This Grizzlies season ended early on Friday night in Los Angeles and then it felt like it just kept on ending, over and over again, until the score was finally 125-85 when the buzzer sounded and this Memphis playoff ride was abruptly over.
The Los Angeles Lakers humiliated Memphis Friday to win their playoff series, 4-2. It could turn out to be a “pivotal” moment for the Grizzlies. But only if they treat it as such.
Ja Morant said his next step as a leader of the Grizzlies is better decision making off the court and leading by example on it. “However I attack any situation, I know my guys will follow,” he said.
The Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday, April 28, 2023, in Game 6 of the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ 40-point victory in Game 6 of the first round of the NBA playoffs handed Memphis its largest playoff defeat in franchise history. Box score: Lakers 125, Grizzlies 85 Grizzlies fan starts Twitter movement, remixes iconic 2016 LeBron James meme Grizzlies’ Ja Morant wants to be better on and off the courtRelated stories:
It was the Lakers that threw the first punch Friday night to take a 31-20 lead to close the opening quarter — and the Grizzlies haven’t got up since.
Memphis guard Luke Kennard will miss Game 6 between the Grizzlies and Lakers for shoulder soreness.
A Grizzlies fan on Twitter has put a Memphis spin on an iconic NBA meme.
Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard didn’t shoot in front of the media at the end of Friday morning’s shootaround. Game 6 updates: Kennard’s status in question. What is next for Dillon Brooks? Herrington: Grizzlies face — and embrace — battle with history in Los AngelesRelated stories:
Here’s what to look for on and off the court as Memphis takes on the Lakers in Game 6 of its NBA playoff series Friday, April 28, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
“They’re obviously battle-tested way more than we have been,” coach Taylor Jenkins said of the Lakers. “With championship pedigrees and experience. That definitely shows up this time of year, and we’re learning on the fly. Last year, we learned a lot. We carried it over to this season.”
Taylor Jenkins discussed what Dillon Brooks can do to be more effective offensively and the status of Luke Kennard in Game 6. Grizzlies Insider: Memphis players tell Taylor Jenkins ‘keep challenging us’Related story:
Now comes the most difficult challenge: Winning on the road, where Memphis is 16-27 this season.
Desmond Bane said the Grizzlies would win Game 5. Now he says they’re coming back to Memphis for Game 7. After watching Bane and the Grizzlies smash the Lakers Wednesday, 116-99, maybe it’s time to trust the man.
Did the Lakers ease up with a 3-1 lead? Did the Grizzlies change this series for good? Was this ‘give the home fans one last good time’? Time will soon tell, but here are a few reasons to believe.
Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant finally got going at once. The three stars combined for 82 points in the Game 5 victory.Related story:
NBA box score for Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round NBA playoffs matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and L.A. Lakers played Wednesday, April 26 at FedExForum.
The Grizzlies’ 6-foot-5 sharpshooter had tallied six points on a 2-3 mark from 3-point range in 18 minutes off the bench before the injury.
Memphis jumps out to a 38-24 first-quarter lead and holds on to lead by nine at the half.
Beat writer Drew Hill and columnist Chris Herrington discuss the upcoming Game 5 between the Lakers and Grizzlies.
Here’s what to look for on and off the court as Memphis takes on the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 of their NBA playoff series Wednesday, April 26, at FedExForum.
The Grizzlies have a long way to go now as they return home for Wednesday night’s Game 5, where they will face elimination at the hands of the lower-seeded but more experienced, healthier and seemingly more composed Lakers.
The Grizzlies have a lot of growing up to do. That’s obvious now. Sure, they played better in Game 4. But the old man — LeBron James — is showing them what grown-up playoff basketball looks like.
Now the Grizzlies try to defy history. Thirteen teams have erased a 3-1 series deficit, while 258 teams have failed. Related story:
NBA box score for Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round NBA playoffs matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and L.A. Lakers played Monday, April 24, in Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.