In a spectacular defensive performance, Anthony Davis had 16 points and 14 rebounds while blocking five shots, D’Angelo Russell scored a career playoff-high 31 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers completed their first-round upset of the Memphis Grizzlies with a 125-85 victory in Game 6 on Friday night.
LeBron James scored 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting for the Lakers, who won a playoff series in their home stadium for the first time since 2012.
The Lakers won all three of their home games in the series, and the last victory was a terrifying demonstration of their possibilities when James and Davis are both healthy. In Game 6, Davis’ intimidating defensive presence mostly shut down Memphis’ attack, while Russell’s five three-pointers highlighted an amazing offensive effort from a late-blooming club with championship hopes.
The Grizzlies won 107 games and two Southwest Division crowns in the previous two seasons, but only one postseason series. Ja Morant scored 10 points on 3-of-16 shooting.
Morant’s injured right hand appeared to impede his shooting, and he appeared hesitant to drive the paint with his customary recklessness as Davis loomed in the center. Desmond Bane, who assured a Game 7, had 15 points on 5-of-16 shooting, while Jarryd Jackson Jr. had 14 points on 3-of-12 shooting.
During the regular season, the Grizzlies had the second-worst road record of the NBA’s 16 playoff teams, and they dropped their first four road games versus the Lakers this season. They were behind 3-1 in this series after back-to-back losses in Los Angeles, but avoided elimination with a win in Memphis on Wednesday.
Lakers supporters recognized the significance of the occasion and came out in force, highlighted by the 86-year-old Nicholson’s return to his courtside seats after a nearly two-year sabbatical. Their team delivered, jumping out to a 20-point lead in the first half and extending it to 36 points in the third.
Due to a sore shoulder, the Grizzlies were without three-point threat Luke Kennard, further limiting their depth.