The Lakers missed out on an easy opportunity to seal the series against the Grizzlies in Game 5. They had a 3-1 lead advantage. But the Grizzlies came back strong, using their home advantage to make it 3-2. All eyes were set on LeBron James to help the team win the series. In Game 4, James had a terrific clutch moment that took the game to overtime and ended on a happy note for the Lakers. But The King did not deliver last night.
However, Anthony Davis, who had a more or less good series against the Grizzlies so far, came all guns blazing. AD was in the form of his life in Game 5 as he scored 31 points, but it just was not enough. Ja Morant was in the top form as his fans wanted him to be. Along with Morant, the Grizzlies had Desmond Bane not letting the defense of the Lakers breathe. Bane ended up scoring 33 points and ten rebounds. On the other hand, Ja Morant scored 31 points and had the same number of rebounds as Bane.
James Takes Vows To Return Stronger For The Lakers
After the game, Darvin Ham mentioned that he was planning to use all options to seal the series for the Lakers in their court. Anthony Davis noted, “I’m willing to play 48 minutes if I have to help the team win. To win the playoff games is what we play for.” AD generally plays for 42 minutes. LeBron James, who has been in a top form this playoff series, kind of disappointed everybody last night. LeBron James scored only 15 points last night.
“Tonight, I was sh—. And I’ll be better in Game 6.” LeBron James expresses the disappointment felt in his performance tonight. pic.twitter.com/5OlfN6gqbO
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 27, 2023
It was his worst performance in this series. James was very ashamed of his performance and mentioned, “Tonight I was s**t. I’ll get much better in the next game.” It was clear after James had such an NSFW review of his own performance that he was disappointed too. However, he promised to return stronger. The Lakers fans would be hoping they don’t blow the lead and move further in the playoffs. The Lakers should not take any more chances and end the series before they reach the seventh game.
Ja Morant And Desmond Bane Were Unstoppable Last Night
Both these players fought well against the Lakers in the previous two encounters when the Purple and the Gold Army came out winning. The Lakers had a tough time defending against Desmond Bane in Game 4. Ja Morant was unstoppable in Game 3. But the Lakers won anyway. However, not this time. Morant and Bane decided to break the Lakers’ defense and close the gap in the series.
They did, and the Lakers had no answer last night. Ja Morant even called the Lakers “Too small.” Something just did not click for the LA side. Rui Hachimura, who had a pretty good start in this playoff series against the Grizzlies, could not contribute enough last night. All the players who came off the bench struggled. Hachimura had a -18 rating, the best plus-minus rating.