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Grizzlies Overcome Ja Morant's Absence
The Memphis Grizzlies were able to even the series against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, despite being without star guard Ja Morant. The Grizzlies pulled off a 111-97 victory in Game 2 of the Western Conference first round playoff matchup.
Morant was ruled out of the game after suffering an ankle sprain late in the fourth quarter of Game 1. He had been listed as questionable leading up to the game, but ultimately the decision was made to hold him out.
Without their star player, the Grizzlies relied on a team effort to get the job done. Six players scored in double figures for Memphis, led by Dillon Brooks who finished with 25 points. Jonas Valanciunas added 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Kyle Anderson chipped in 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The Grizzlies also got a boost from their bench, which outscored the Lakers' reserves 33-17. Tyus Jones had 12 points and five assists off the bench, while Grayson Allen added 10 points.
Lakers Struggle Without Anthony Davis
The Lakers were without Anthony Davis for most of the game due to a bruised right heel. Davis was injured early in the first quarter and was unable to return to action. The Lakers struggled without their second-leading scorer, shooting just 39% from the field and 28% from three-point range.
LeBron James led the way for Los Angeles with 30 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 18 points off the bench, while Alex Caruso chipped in 11 points and eight assists.
The Lakers will need to regroup before Game 3 on Thursday night if they want to take back control of the series. With Davis' status uncertain and Morant likely to return for Memphis, Los Angeles will have its work cut out for them if they hope to regain homecourt advantage in this series.
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The Memphis Grizzlies showed that they can still compete at a high level without Ja Morant in the lineup, as they were able to even up the series against the Los Angeles Lakers despite his absence. The Lakers will need to find a way to make up for Anthony Davis' injury if they hope to take back control of this series in Game 3 on Thursday night.