Memphis Grizzlies Throttle LA Lakers in Game 5 to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

ParallelDesk 12:30:35 PM, 27 April 2023

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The Memphis Grizzlies kept their NBA playoff hopes alive after pummeling the LA Lakers 116-99 in Game 5 on Wednesday night at the FedEx Forum. Despite the victory, Memphis is still on the brink of elimination, down 3-2 in the series. The Memphis Grizzlies were only up by one point, 75-74, with three minutes left in the third quarter. However, sensing that the game was slipping away, the Grizzlies went on a blistering 26-2 run that spanned the end of the third period and the start of the fourth. Their sudden surge of points gave them a commanding 94-76 lead heading into the final quarter of the game. The Lakers attempted to reel in the Grizzlies by launching a 20-7 run of their own in the fourth period, but it was not enough to overcome the large deficit. LeBron James, who tallied 15 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, and Anthony Davis, who notched 31 points and 19 rebounds, tried their best to spark a comeback. However, the Lakers were plagued by turnovers, with King James and Austin Reaves contributing nine of the team's total of 13 turnovers. On the other hand, the Grizzlies were firing on all cylinders. Ja Morant was electrifying, racking up 31 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and one steal. Desmond Bane continued his stellar form from Game 4, where he poured in 36 points, by scoring 33 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out five assists. Bane's performance was particularly impressive as he played for a game-high 43 minutes. Morant and Bane made Grizzlies history by becoming the first pair of teammates in the franchise's playoffs to record 30+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a game. The Grizzlies' win was especially sweet as they showcased their offensive firepower in front of their home fans. Memphis had the best home record in the NBA during the regular season, going 35-6. The Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman embodied his team's resilience and gutsiness with his gritty play. The hard-nosed forward was not afraid to mix it up with Lakers' stars and came up with crucial rebounds and baskets in the fourth period to keep his team ahead. Memphis's next challenge is to keep its season alive when the series moves back to Los Angeles for Game 6 on Friday at the Crypto.com Arena. If the Grizzlies can win Game 6, they will force a deciding Game 7 back at the FedEx Forum. Although LA holds the upper hand in the series, Memphis fans are hoping their team has enough fight left in them to pull off a stunning upset.