The Los Angeles Lakers seemed to have a bit of a cushion heading into Game 2 of their first-round playoff series versus the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday after their 128-112 win on Sunday.
Ja Morant was declared unable to play shortly before the tip, and one might have thought L.A. had Game 2 virtually in the bag at that point.
But the Grizzlies simply came out with more energy, physicality and resolve, and they claimed a 103-93 victory and tied the series.
The Lakers still have the home-court advantage heading back to Los Angeles for the next two games, which makes it seem as if theyโre still in relatively good shape moving forward despite their many deficiencies on Wednesday.
But LeBron James, who was one of only a couple of Lakers who played well in Game 2, said they cannot relax simply because the series is moving to Crypto.com Arena (at 6:39).
๐ผ๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐ฎ ๐ฟ๐๐ซ๐๐จ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฝ๐ง๐ค๐ฃ ๐ ๐๐ข๐๐จ reflect on the first two games in Memphis and how they expect to answer back in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/AUvs3qz2Yi
โ Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 20, 2023
โItโs a 1-1 series. Both teams are tied. Both teams feel like they can win on each otherโs floors, so it gives us no comfort that weโre going home, and we shouldnโt feel comfortable going home with a 1-1 tie. Game 3 is the most important game of the series, and if weโre not uncomfortable going into that game, they could very easily come on our home court and take the series back.โ
When a series is tied 1-1, traditionally the team that takes Game 3 often ends up taking the series, so Game 3 on Saturday evening will be pivotal for both squads.
