Morant, Wells and Jackson Jr. each scored 20 points as the Grizzlies defeated the Lakers 131-114

by Junna Base November 7, 2024

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Ja Morant scored 20 points before leaving in the third quarter with a right hamstring injury, and the Memphis Grizzlies used their 3-point shooting to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 131-114 on Wednesday night hit.

Rookie Jaylen Wells and Jaren Jackson Jr. also scored 20 points each for the Grizzlies. There was initially no information about the extent of Morant’s injury.

LeBron James led the Lakers with 39 points, while Austin Reaves added 19 despite going 2 for 9 from 3-point range.

The Lakers played without starting center Anthony Davis, who was suffering from left heel pain. Rui Hachimura was also sidelined with illness, giving Tennessee rookie Dalton Knect his first NBA start.

Meanwhile, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins missed the game due to a death in the family. Assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo led the team.

Takeaways

Lakers: Without Davis, Los Angeles lacked 32.6 points and 11.6 rebounds per game and a dominant force in the middle. James tried to even the score but got little help.

Grizzlies: With Davis missing under center, the Grizzlies were able to maintain their average of 60 points.

Key moment

Memphis had a 72-68 lead in the third quarter when backup Jay Huff, a 7-foot-1 center, scored with three consecutive 3-pointers and then capped the run-off with an offensive rebound, which led to a reverse dunk. The rally gave the Grizzlies an 85-71 lead.

Key statistics

Neither team attempted many three-pointers compared to the rest of the league, but Memphis shot 48% from beyond the arc midway through the fourth period. Meanwhile, the Lakers are stuck at 25%.

The Lakers host Philadelphia on Friday while the Grizzlies host Washington.