Los Angeles Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell (1) is defended by Memphis Grizzlies’ Xavier Tillman (2) during the first half in Game 6 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series Friday, April 28, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
The Los Angeles Lakers made a resounding statement defeating the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies 125-85 in Game Six. They now advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs and will face the winner of the Golden State Warriors/ Sacramento Kings series.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham explained how forward LeBron James gave the team words of wisdom after the game.
The Lakers advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs after defeating the Grizzlies 125-85. D’Angelo Russell led all scorers with 31 points pic.twitter.com/PAYKdLEzMn
— Amanda Scurlock (@Amandtastic) April 29, 2023
“We have to start shifting our focus to whoever comes out that game on Sunday,” Ham said. “It’s about us just as much as it’s about our opponents, we have to be the best version of ourselves.”
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell had a career night, leading all scorers with 31 points. He made a 6-2 run in the first quarter, helping the Lakers lead the Grizzlies 31-20 in the phase. Russell also started the second half with back-to-back three-pointers, which edged the Lakers to a 20-point advantage.
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“To dominate the game the way you dominate the game throughout the regular season is tough,” Russell said. “To be in a position to actually make the shots I’ve been making … making the shots I’ve been working on my whole career, to finally make some is a good feeling but the win is better.”
Los Angeles Lakers’ Rui Hachimura (28) celebrates his dunk next to Memphis Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks (24) during the first half in Game 6 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series Friday, April 28, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers center Anthony Davis noted how the squad aspired to get more separation in the second half.
“We didn’t want to let our foot off the gas, obviously this team scores in bunches,” Davis said. “Their role players can make shots, we didn’t want that to happen. We wanted to make sure that we keep our presence defensively.”
Defense has been key to the Lakers’ success in the series; Davis has spearheaded the effort by making 26 blocks in the first round.
The Lakers shot at 59.1 percent during the first quarter in game 6 against the Memphis Grizzlies. D’Angelo Russell leads all scorers with 10 points
— Amanda Scurlock (@Amandtastic) April 29, 2023
“The world knows, the basketball guys know, the competition knows how talented [Davis] is defensively,” James said. “He was spectacular.”
Davis scored 16 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks. Lakers guard Austin Reaves noted that the box score does not reveal how Davis contributed to the effort.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis (3) fires up the fans during the second half in Game 6 of the team’s first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, April 28, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
“The back line of defense, making it tough for them to get anything in the paint,” Reaves said. “Anytime you have [Morant] go three for 16, Bane go five for 16, you’ve opened a good opportunity to win those games.”
According to Ham, preparations for round two of the playoffs has been in the works behind the scenes.
“We don’t wait until you get to this point and start the preparation process, we’ve already been doing that, “ Ham said. “Whoever comes out on top, we’ll be ready to go.”
Round two will start on Tuesday at 7:00P.M. PST, the winner of the Warriors/Kings series will host Game One.
