Los Angeles Lakers, who were only 3-5 and on a three-game losing streak when they played their first in-season tournament game on Friday, won 122-119 against the Phoenix Suns on the road. The Lakers used the momentum from that game to earn a 116-110 home victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday in a game that was not tournament-related. Despite LeBron James sitting out for the first time this season due to a left knee injury, the Lakers will be looking to continue their recent surge when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.
James’ return on Tuesday is rated as uncertain.
The Lakers think they’ve found a formula that’s helped them win consecutive games. For the past two games, Austin Reaves has come off the bench while Cam Reddish has started due to sluggish starts.
Los Angeles was behind the Suns after one quarter, but for the first time this season, the Lakers led after one quarter after a 12-minute win over the Blazers, thanks to 10 points from Reddish.
Darvin Ham, the coach of the Lakers, has work to do. As satisfying as it was to win on Sunday, the Blazers’ roster was severely depleted due to injuries.
“As we get more comfortable and familiar with one another, as we continue to plant the seeds and water them, I think you’ll see the growth here pretty soon,” Ham continued. “You’re already noticing hints of it. Although certain players have occasionally been left out of the starting lineup, our fundamental philosophy is that winning starts with defense.”
The Grizzlies defeated the Clippers 105-101 on Sunday afternoon, and they have since stayed in Los Angeles. Desmond Bane, who scored nine of his 27 points in the fourth quarter, put up a tremendous effort to help Memphis win only its second game of the season.
Memphis had a 15-point lead at one point in the second half and led 82-68 at the start of the fourth quarter before the Clippers mounted a comeback to tie the game with 6:38 left. From from point on, the game was back and forth until the Grizzlies scored five points in a row to take a 103-98 lead with 25.6 seconds remaining.
With 13 points and 12 rebounds from Bismack Biyombo and 17 points from Marcus Smart, the Grizzlies, who have only won once this season, defeated Portland on November 5. Memphis has a 0–2 record in competition.
“Offensively, chemistry is taking time with guys in and out and some new offensive philosophy things, but the guys are staying committed to the duration of the season and just taking a one-day-at-a-time mentality,” stated Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. Starting point guard Ja Morant is not expected to return from his 25-game suspension until mid-December.
“All we need to do is remain together and optimistic. Although it’s been amazing to watch, we still have a long way to go and a lot of territory to cover—just one day at a time.”
