Lakers vs. Grizzlies: Anthony Davis, Ja Morant Get Injury Scares
Anthony Davis and Ja Morant gave fans some injury scares during the Lakers vs. Grizzlies game on Sunday.
Davis reportedly hurt his right arm during the second quarter, while Morant hurt his left hand after an ugly fall in the fourth. According to Yahoo Sports, Davis came back strong after halftime, and Los Angeles won 128-112 to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The Lakers' big man was fouled while securing a rebound in the paint, and he said, "I can't move my arm," as he grabbed his right shoulder.
With 1 minute and 15 seconds left in half, he went to the locker room and did not come back. Before halftime, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Davis had suffered what seemed to be a stinger and was being evaluated further.
Davis came back in the third quarter and played the entire period. He repeatedly challenged the Grizzlies' attempts in the post in the first half, leading to 10 points, six rebounds, and four blocks.
After the game, he had 22 points, 12 boards, three assists, three steals, and five blocks. Concerns regarding his shoulder were unfounded as he immediately went to the hoop and kept pressing the Grizzlies' offensive efforts after returning.
Davis is one of the best post players in the NBA when he is on the court, and the Lakers need him badly to pull off an upset against the No. 2 Memphis Grizzlies in the first round.
Injuries have marred his career, and Sunday's quick exit only heightened fan anxiety over his health. However, the outcome of the game and Davis' play after returning from injury should ease those concerns.
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Ja Morant's Injury Scare
Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant left the Lakers vs. Grizzlies game with a hand injury in the fourth quarter. CBS Sports reported that it was Game 1 in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
After trying to dunk and clashing in midair with Lakers big man Anthony Davis, Morant fell hard on his outstretched right hand.
Morant, obviously in pain, was replaced and left the court immediately. Although he eventually returned to the Grizzlies' bench, he was never used in the game again.
He had what looked like a wrapping around his hand and wrist as he returned to the bench. Morant had 18 points, two assists, six rebounds, and two steals in 30 minutes before breaking his hand.
Taylor Jenkins, head coach of the Grizzlies, reported that X-rays on Morant's hand were negative after the game. Morant will be monitored for a few more days before Wednesday's Game 2 in the series.
Lakers vs. Grizzlies
Rui Hachimura was the highlight of the second half for the Lakers. Not only did he have to guard Jaren Jackson Jr. while Anthony Davis was on the bench, but he also scored on five of his six three-point attempts, according to SBNation.
On the other hand, Grizzlies managed to keep things close even without their point guard, but every basket they made was met with a response by Austin Reaves.
The Lakers needed Reaves to take control of the offense down the stretch, and he came through. Reaves contributed to the game-winning shot and the Lakers' victory with a behind-the-back assist, a layup, and a pull-up three-pointer.
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Written by: Bert Hoover
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