The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James have been issued an NBA Play-Off warning after Ja Morant shone with 45 points despite the Memphis Grizzlies falling to a 111-101 Game Three defeat.
Morant’s return to the starting line-up was confirmed by the Grizzlies an hour before play got underway, having missed a game due to a bruised right hand. The 23-year-old put up the impressive points haul, as well as recording nine rebounds and 13 assists.
In the fourth quarter alone, Morant scored 22 straight points but the Grizzlies’ comeback attempt ultimately fell short. According to ESPN, only two other players have scored at least 22 straight points for their team in a Play-Off game: James with 25 in 2007 and Kobe Bryant with 23 in 2010.
