Last night, Anthony Davis once again led the Lakers to win their first playoff game against the Grizzlies. It was essential for the Lakers to start their playoff journey this season with a victory. The seniors and juniors, everybody joined the party to help the team beat the Grizzlies in Memphis. It was a bit of a challenge after Dillon Brooks mentioned they would like to beat LeBron James and his army to progress in the playoffs.
The battle between the Lakers and the Grizzlies is not over yet, as just the first game of the series is done. However, it is a good start for the Lakers. Rui Hachimura was the star of the show scoring 29 points coming off the bench. The Japanese player is really starting to become an integral part of the Lakers. However, there was tension building in the Lakers camp after AD got injured again.
Another Injury Scare For Anthony Davis
Once again, fans are in a tense situation as AD is looking up an injury. He took a rest in the last game and did not play for a while. Later, Anthony Davis returned with his usual energy on the court. But the way things have panned out for the Lakers throughout the season gives a real reason to worry about another injury issue, and that also to AD. In the game, he complained that “At halftime, I could not feel my arm. It went completely numb.” However, Darvin Ham, the head coach, mentioned that Anthony’s arms are fine.
On the other hand, in the Grizzlies’ camp, Ja Morant is unsure of playing the next game against the Lakers after sustaining an injury due to the clash with Anthony Davis. It looks like the playoffs are filled with news of injuries in different games as well. Giannis Antetokounmpo hurt his lower back against the Heat in the Bucks’ opening game. Giannis could not play the second half. The same thing happened with the Heat’s Tyler Herro, who broke his hand. These players are unsure about playing their next games. But the good news for the Lakers is that AD is in a better condition than them. As of now, the reports suggest Anthony Davis will be available.
Lakers Are Looking To Go All The Way
The young guns were impressive playing their first playoff game, like Austin Reaves. However, it was Anthony Davis and LeBron James’s leadership that saw the Lakers break the Grizzlies at their home. Another on-the-road victory for the Purple and Gold brigade, and the team looks stronger and more motivated than ever to go all the way. AD was superb as usual, scoring 22 points and getting 12 rebounds, three assists, plus three steals. Not only that, he contributed more with seven blocks as well.
Anyway, the Lakers don’t look as dependent on Anthony Davis and James as people would expect. With the kind of form Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell are in, the fans can stay a little tension-free. However, the experiences of AD and Lebron James does matter a lot for the future of the franchise in this year’s playoffs. The Lakers and the Grizzlies will next meet on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the same court in Memphis again.
