The third time came the charm. The Los Angeles Lakers added their first victory of the season this morning after beating the Grizzlies by 121-118, thus preventing their bad streak from spreading and giving some air to the squad after a start to the season that had given something to talk about . For Memphis, on the other hand, this is the first loss of the year, a loss that they were truly close to avoiding.
In fact, Ja Morant had in his hands the free kick that would have tied the game with 2.5 seconds to go and almost certainly forced extra time. The point guard, who was fouled by Bazemore while shooting a triple, scored his first two attempts from 4.60, but missed the third and allowed the Californians to escape alive from a game in which Morant himself had put them. against the ropes.
And, with 40 points and 10 assists, Ja signed a new exhibition and was close to knocking down Vogel’s men almost on his own. His continuous runs to the basket were unstoppable for the locals, who also suffered an unusual success from the perimeter for their part that made him convert five triples and be a nightmare for the Los Angeles defense. Only his mistake in the final free kick could stop him, preventing him from taking his night to higher levels in the five minutes of overtime.
Aside from him, the other four members of Jenkins’ starting five finished in double digits. Desmond Bane, with 17 points, was second in scoring, followed by Steven Adams’ 14, who grabbed 16 rebounds. For his part, De’Anthony Melton signed 13 and Jaren Jackson Jr. 12.
The best Carmelo
On the side of the Lakers, Carmelo Anthony became the positive surprise of the dawn. With 28 points, the forward commanded his team at the scorer level, and with a 6/8 in triples he gave them an efficiency in the outside shot that made them punish the visiting defense and force it to open up more. In addition, his performance earned him 27,423 career points, surpassing Moses Malone’s mark and climbing to ninth on the all-time scorers list.
“It is difficult to put into words what this means,” said the forward. “It is exciting to continue playing and doing these things after 19 years. I’m still passionate about this sport and I’m passionate about coming to train and trying to be better every day.
Anthony Davis, with 22 points and 4 blocks, was essential on both sides of the court, while LeBron James reached 19 and scared the stands after a fall that made him put his hands to his right leg with gestures of pain, but he was soon able to play normally again. Russell Westbrook, for his part, was again discreet in scoring with 13 points, but managed to distribute 13 assists and lead his team in that facet.
(Cover photo: Harry How / Getty Images)