The Grizzlies kept their season alive on Wednesday, defeating the Lakers in Game 5 on their home court, 116–99. Now trailing 3–2 with the series shifting back to Los Angeles for Game 6, shooting guard Desmond Bane issued a bold promise to fans back home.
Via ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Bane emphatically declared after Wednesday’s victory that the series would be returning to Memphis for Game 7, guaranteeing a win in Game 6.
“We’re going to be back for a Game 7 in front of the best fans in the NBA,” declared Bane.
The 24-year-old expressed no doubts in the Grizzlies’ ability to take care of business at the Crypto.com Arena in Game 6, which is slated for Friday.
Desmond Bane: “We’re going to be back for a Game 7 in front of the best fans in the NBA.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 27, 2023
The Grizzlies defended their home court well on Wednesday, and Bane was a huge component in their win. The third-year star dropped a game-high 33 points while shooting 12-for-21 from the field and 4-for-9 from three-point range. He had 10 rebounds and five assists, too.
Memphis hasn’t shied away from publicly sharing its confidence throughout the season, from Ja Morant saying the team is “fine in the West” to Dillon Brooks calling LeBron James “old”. It’s another bold proclamation from Bane, who will need to have another big performance in Game 6 for his wishes to come to fruition.