In the first game of their opening round in the NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers managed to secure a 128-112 win against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Lakers pulled ahead in the final quarter, with LeBron James making a strong comeback after missing last season's playoffs. He contributed 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and three blocks, playing a crucial role in the team's victory.
However, it was Rui Hachimura who shined as the Lakers' top scorer, amassing 29 points, primarily in the second half. He was particularly impressive from beyond the arc, nailing crucial three-pointers throughout the game. Austin Reaves also played a significant role in the fourth quarter, with key shots that widened the score gap to 120-112.
Anthony Davis delivered an impressive performance, scoring 22 points and securing 12 rebounds for a double-double. He also dominated defensively with seven blocks and a plus-27 rating on the court.
The Grizzlies faced a setback when star point guard Ja Morant sustained a painful hand injury during a dunk attempt over Davis in the fourth quarter. He returned to the bench with his hand taped, but did not re-enter the game. With Morant out, the Grizzlies looked to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane for support. Jackson Jr. scored a game-high 21 points, while Bane added 22 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Dillon Brooks also contributed 15 points for the Grizzlies.
