It’s the start of the NBA Cup, and the Lebron James-less Los Angeles Lakers took an impressive come from behind win over the Memphis Grizzlies in their first game of the group stage.
The win puts the Lakers at 1-0 in the NBA Cup, and 4-2 overall after dealing with some early injuries to start the season.
For the last few games, the Lakers had to rely on the team’s depth to step up, and they did not disappoint. In the absence of his two co-stars, Austin Reaves played at an All-NBA level, averaging 40 points, 10 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in the three games where the Lakers were missing both Dončić and James. Reaves being able to fill in for when the two Los Angeles stars are out is massive for the Lakers if they want to not just go far in not just the NBA Cup, but have a chance at the title this year.
When Dončić returned for Friday night’s game, however, he re-assumed the team mantle. Although Reaves had 21 points, four rebounds and four assists, Dončić was the clear standout player this game, dropping an impressive performance with 44 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists: his third straight 40-10 double-double to start the year.
The Lakers and Grizzlies played a competitive first half, not differing by more than six points at a time, generally being separated by one possession for the majority of the time. The first turning point of the game occurred with 5:12 left in the second quarter. When the two teams were knotted at 50, the Grizzlies center Jock Landale scored a turnaround hook shot to go up 2, and the Lakers took a 60 second time out.
Coming out of the timeout, it was as if someone flipped a switch in Fedex Forum; the Grizzlies just couldn’t miss, and when the Lakers were on offense, it felt like there was a lid on the rim. The Grizzlies then went on an unanswered 15 point run until Lakers guard Marcus Smart finally ended it with a three pointer with just 1:29 left in the quarter. The Grizzlies ended the half up 14.
Coming into the third quarter, the Lakers regained their offensive efficiency. They were a well-oiled machine, captained by both Dončić and Reeves.The two combined in the third for 23 of the Lakers 34 points to narrow the lead to just two with a score of 91-89.
The Lakers maintained their intensity going into the fourth quarter, swiftly taking the lead off a Reeves mid-range shot and Jake LaRavia layup. They’d go on to hold the Grizzlies at arms length for the remainder of the game, securing the win 117-112.
Although the Lakers got the win with an impressive come from behind effort and Dončić and Reeves showed why the Lakers can contend this year, the Lakers cannot sustain their success by constantly playing from behind, and allowing every opponent to get an early lead.
Lakers fans should be hopeful, however, with the productivity they are getting from their depth, and the caliber that Dončić is playing at right now. They look to hopefully keep up their level of play, and win the Cup for the second time in three years.