Lakers Embarrass Grizzlies in Game 6

Apr 29

The Los Angeles Lakers put a beatdown on the Memphis Grizzlies in front of Crypto Arena. It was clear that the Lakers treated this game as if it was game seven and did not want to travel back to Memphis.

Dillon Brooks asked for 40, so he got sent home by 40.

The Lakers put on an absolute defensive masterclass and are proving that they are a top defensive playoff team. The Lakers finished the game off with 15 blocks and 6 steals led by their defensive anchor Anthony Davis who finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks. By just looking at the box score, you’d think he just had a mediocre game for his standards. The only way you could have seen the impact Davis made was by watching the game, Davis completely locked down the paint for the Lakers and made the Grizzlies players think twice before driving the ball into the lane. Davis has been the runaway as the best defensive player thus far in the playoffs by putting up an impressive 25 blocks and 8 steals in this 6 game series.

As most games go, when a team has a dominant defense performance, it accelerates their defense, which was evident for the Lakers in game six. D’angelo Russell led the way with 31 points on 12-17 shooting from the field and 5-9 from the three. Russell has historically struggled shooting the ball in the playoffs and his woes have continued with the Lakers. However, Russell came out very aggressive and found his rhythm early in the first quarter. Hopefully this sparks Russell’s offensive game and can continue to be an efficient scorer moving forward. The Lakers will definitely need his three point shooting and shot creation.

Lebron James also had a great bounce back game after one of his worst playoff performances in game five. James finished with 22 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds on 9-13 shooting and 2-5 from three. Lebron looked much more aggressive and decisive in this game compared to game five. He didn’t seem to be settling for bad jumpshots and the Lakers offense ran much smoother from his great play.

Lastly, big props to Darvin Ham for his adjustments in this game six. Many Lakers fans were upset about his playoff rotations where he continued to play Rui Hachimura and Lebron James at center. The Lakers went away from that rotation and ended up completely cutting out Malik Beasley's and Troy Brown Jr. 's from significant minutes. Ham was also great at calling timeouts when the Grizzlies got any sort of momentum, which he has a problem of not doing in the past. It seems like Ham has learned from his mistakes and continues to get better.

The Lakers are waiting on their next opponent and will play the winner of the Warriors and Kings series. Either opponent will be very entertaining and I cannot wait to continue watching as the Lakers make a run for #18.