Thought Starter...
A Unique Win.
Ordinarily, when the Lakers blow a 15-point lead to a shorthanded squad like the Memphis Grizzlies, playing without two of its three best players (Ja Morant, Desmond Bane), even if they come back and win (which they did) it still leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Take care of business, stay focused, and the comeback isn’t needed.
And to some degree, that applies to Wednesday’s game. The Lakers, without question, lost focus defensively after a great start and not only let Memphis get back into the game, but take a 9-point lead.
But this game was a little different. To make the comeback, the Lakers had to dig deep and get resourceful. When Anthony Davis landed in foul trouble, it limited his effectiveness, and also drove home how small the Lakers are, with Christian Koloko the only other available center other than Davis. They used a masterful effort from LeBron James (a third straight triple-double) and the most impactful game Dalton Knecht has played as a pro.
It’s not a formula the Lakers should try to replicate. In some ways the Lakers didn’t deserve to win. But this wasn’t a matter of trying, then not trying, then trying again. It was a lot harder, and potentially more valuable, than that.
—BK
Overheard On This Episode...
1. “The Lakers win 128, 123 over the Grizzlies was dramatic. There was a tremendous amount to like then a tremendous amount dislike. But the things to dislike in the middle created the environment for all the things to like at the end.”
2. “We’ve been waiting for one of these moments really, where Knecht would impact a game with his shooting, change the offense, change the rhythm of a game in the way that three point shooters can. This was that game.”
3. “It’s just amazing to watch someone when you see not just the athletic skill but the mind that is fueling it.”
4. “Anthony Davis, who I want to make sure we point out at the end, really managed to have some nice screw all y’all moments down the stretch, but he struggled in this game a lot with the physicality of Jaren Jackson, Jr.”
