Jaren Jackson Jr., Marcus Smart lead Memphis Grizzlies' 3-point shooting in beating Lakers
The intensity surpassed that of a typical regular-season game.
Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins rushed on the floor and halted a Los Angeles Lakers fast-break opportunity to protest a no-call. The stars of both teams rose to the occasion at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The game was tight until the Grizzlies went on an 11-2 run midway through the fourth quarter to take a nine-point lead Friday on their way to a 127-113 win.
The Grizzlies (12-23) made a season-high 23 3-pointers. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the team with 31 points and Marcus Smart added 29.
The Lakers (17-19) got a combined 63 points from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but the Grizzlies' 3-point shooting was the difference.
Here are some takeaways from the game.
Ja Morant stats vs. Lakers
Morant did some of everything Friday night. He skied in the air for rebounds and electric finishes around the rim while also getting teammates involved.
Morant finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Grizzlies withstand LeBron James aggression
James had arguably his worst game of the season on Wednesday when he scored 12 points. He surpassed that total in the first quarter against the Grizzlies. He finished with 32 points, five rebounds, seven assists and five steals.
Marcus Smart, Jaren Jackson Jr. lead Grizzlies 3-point surge
Marcus Smart's previous two games were among his least productive since joining Memphis. He snapped out of the skid with one of the best games of the season. Along with drawing the defensive assignment of guarding James, he knocked down eight 3-pointers as the Lakers gave him open looks.
Jackson also had a strong night shooting 3-pointers, going 5-for-6.
What's next
The Grizzlies will continue their road trip with a game against the Suns. Memphis is 0-2 against them this season. Both of those came before Morant made his season debut, but Phoenix didn't have Bradley Beal for those games, either.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies outlast Lakers with strong 3-point shooting
