The Los Angeles Lakers Dominate the Memphis Grizzlies in Game Six to Win Series 4-2

Lakers Dominate Both Sides of the Court

The Lakers controlled and dominated both ends of the floor in their game six win over the Grizzlies. In large part to Anthony Davis‘ key defensive play and D’Angelo Russel‘s explosive game-high 31 points. The game was all Lakers from the opening tip.

The Lakers outscored the Grizzlies in every quarter but especially in the third quarter as they exploded out of the first half with 41 points and outscored the visiting team by 16. LeBron James held to his promise to be better following game five’s loss Wednesday night. James set the pace early and was very aggressive in the first half while being efficient as well. James made seven of his first eight to finish the half with 16 points, James finished the game with 22 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Anthony Davis was the key player on the defensive side of things as he set the tone and dominated the paint with 14 rebounds and five blocks in the game to go along with 16 points and an assist as well. The Grizzlies shot 3-20 when contested by Davis in game six.

D’Angelo Russel joined the action as he detonated for a career postseason high of 31 points in the game, shooting 70% from the floor and 55% from three-point range, making five three-pointers. This was the first game in which Russel had shot over 50% in the postseason. Russel finished the game with 31 points, two rebounds, and four assists.

The team was relentless on the defensive end, holding star point guard- Ja Morant to 10 points on 19% shooting. Every player on the Grizzlies was held below 20 points by the Lakers’ suffocating defense. The Lakers combined for 15 blocks to just two for the Grizzlies and won the rebound battle, 52-45. The Lakers played as a complete team with an equal effort by every player on both ends of the court. The win was the first home playoff win to close a series since 2012.

Memphis Grizzlies and Dillon Brooks Have to Eat Crow

Dillon Brooks made headlines just before the playoffs, “I wouldn’t mind LeBron in a seven-game series, the legacy is there. First time back in the playoffs, knock him out right away.” Brooks then went on to explain why he’d like the matchup, “They’ll test us good. They got good pieces, good players. That’ll be a good first-round matchup.” Brooks was right, the Lakers did test the Grizzlies well, too well in fact as it didn’t even go seven games.

The Lakers won games one, three, four, and six in the series. The Grizzlies’ first win in the series came in game two, tying the series at one game apiece. Following the win, Brooks yet again asked for the spotlight saying, “I don’t care, he’s (LeBron James) old. I poke bears. I don’t respect no one until they come and give me forty.” Well, Brooks, the Lakers just eliminated you and your team by winning game six by 40 points, does that count and what about James’ 22 points and 20 rebounds in game four does that count? Following Brooks’ game two statements, the Lakers won three out of the next four games.

The lack of respect shown to their opposition has been a common theme regarding the Grizzlies this season. Players, media, and fans called attention to it following Ja Morant’s comments earlier this season when he declared “I’m fine in the West.”

What did you make of the Grizzlies and Lakers first-round series, does the Lakers’ post-season success continue in the next round and where do the Grizzlies go from here? Let us know in the comments below!

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