Memphis Grizzlies take control of series with dominant Game 3 victory over Los Angeles Lakers

 




The Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers faced off in Game 3 of the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs, with the Grizzlies taking a 2-1 series lead with a 117-105 victory.


The Grizzlies were led by their young star Ja Morant, who finished with 28 points and seven assists. Morant’s scoring was key for the Grizzlies, as he was able to get to the rim and finish with ease. He also showed his playmaking ability, finding his teammates for open shots throughout the game.


Another key player for the Grizzlies was Dillon Brooks, who had 27 points and was a force on both ends of the court. Brooks was tasked with guarding Lakers star LeBron James, and he did an excellent job, holding James to just 19 points on 6-of-19 shooting.


The Lakers were without their other superstar, Anthony Davis, who was sidelined with a groin injury. Without Davis, the Lakers struggled to score consistently, with James being the only player to score over 20 points for the team.


Despite the loss, there were some positives for the Lakers. Kyle Kuzma had his best game of the series, scoring 20 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Kuzma’s scoring was much needed for the Lakers, as they lacked offensive production outside of James.


Another positive for the Lakers was the play of Andre Drummond, who had 12 points and nine rebounds. Drummond was able to provide some inside scoring and rebounding for the Lakers, which they will need more of if they hope to come back and win the series.


However, the Lakers’ lack of depth was exposed in Game 3. Outside of James, Kuzma, and Drummond, no other Laker scored in double figures. The Lakers will need more production from their role players if they hope to compete with the Grizzlies moving forward.


On the defensive end, the Lakers had no answer for Morant and Brooks. Both players were able to get to the rim and score with ease, and the Lakers’ defense looked disorganized and out of sync at times. With Davis out, the Lakers’ defense has taken a hit, and they will need to make adjustments if they hope to slow down the Grizzlies’ offense.


Looking ahead, the Grizzlies have taken control of the series with their two wins in Memphis. However, the Lakers are still a dangerous team, especially if Davis is able to return from his injury. If Davis is unable to play, the Lakers will need to find other ways to generate offense and tighten up their defense if they hope to avoid an early exit from the playoffs.


For the Grizzlies, they will need to continue to rely on their young stars Morant and Brooks, as well as their role players, if they hope to advance to the second round. The Grizzlies have shown that they can play with the defending champions, and they will look to build on their Game 3 victory and close out the series in Game 4.


In conclusion, Game 3 was a big win for the Grizzlies, as they took control of the series with a dominant performance over the Lakers. Morant and Brooks were the stars of the game, while the Lakers struggled without Davis and lacked offensive production from their role players. With the series shifting back to Los Angeles for Game 4, the Lakers will need to make adjustments if they hope to avoid falling behind 3-1 in the series.

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