Memphis, Tenn. - - Ja Morant scored 41 points, Desmond Bain 20 and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Los Angeles Lakers 104-99 on Wednesday night to make up a 14-point second-half deficit.
LeBron James led Los Angeles with 37 points—one day less than his 37th birthday—and 13 rebounds and a season-high eight 3-pointers. Russell Westbrook added a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists.
The Grizzlies improved to 22–14 with their third straight win, while the Lakers fell 17–19 with their sixth loss in seven games.
Morant, a strong bidder for the All-Star Game, scored his 25 points in the second half, including 14 in the third quarter. He scored 11 of the Grizzlies' last 15 points.
"What an incredible night by Jaa," said Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins. "That's how everyone else got a boost when he was leaving. We've said it from day one, he's built for moments like this."
Jenkins was also impressed by Morant's defense (two steals, two blocks) and rebounding. He had 10 rebounds.
"I was taking what the defense gave me and it worked well for us," Morant said. "Normally I attack every game. Tonight was just my night."
Memphis trailed in the second half until Tyce Jones left 6:50 in the floater to lead 93-92. Morant followed with 4:28 for a 99-92 advantage with consecutive 3-pointers. Bane sealed the win with two free throws with 5.1 seconds
Six in the half, the Lakers pushed their advantage to 80-66 on 14 during the third quarter, with Los Angeles scoring six 3-pointers. James had three of them.
The Grizzlies were able to fight back at the end of the quarter and cut the lead at 83-78 to five. Morant made in a deep 3-pointer on the buzzer.
In the fourth quarter, the Lakers slowed down to a four-minute drought, allowing the Grizzlies to wipe out a 92–87 deficit with 12 straight points. With 8:12 to go, Memphis scored a 99-92 . led
"It got away with us coming out in the third quarter," said Lakers forward Malik Monk. "It was very disappointing because we've been doing this all year long."
Starting ahead with the Grizzlies, Dillon Brooks played his third straight game due to health and safety protocols.
TIP-INS
Grizzlies: Morant and James became the third pair of opponents in NBA history to each amass 35 or more points, 10 or more rebounds and six or more 3-pointers in a game... . . .John Konchar entered the league’s health and safety protocols Tuesday after making the first two starts of his career.
Lakers: Interim head coach David Fizdale said Morant has quickly blossomed into an elite player. “You are talking about one of the best players in this league period. Period. The guy is a true superstar.”. . . Austin Reaves and Kent Bazemore tested out of the NBA’s health and safety protocols Wednesday. Reaves missed the previous six games and Bazemore the last five.
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