The Lakers failed to close out the first round series against the Grizzlies in Memphis. The hosts opened the game strong, winning the first quarter 38-24. They made another push in the third quarter (33-24) as the lead increased to 18 points.
Los Angeles struggled to make shots in this game (40.2% field goals), especially three-pointers (25.6%). The team’s head coach Darvin Ham pointed at shooting woes as the main problem in Game 5.
“It’s a hard fought game,” Ham said. “We got some open looks that we just didn’t knock down. We had some guys that struggled from the field. It’s just unfortunate. We competed for the most of the game.
“Again, it’s a make or miss league and you got to make open looks when you get them. That’s just the way the ball bounces sometimes. Our biggest thing is just to get back, fill our cups back up and then go defend our home court just as they did tonight.”
Despite the loss, the Purple and Gold still hold the lead in the series (3-2) and will have a chance to advance to the next round in Game 6 which will be played in Los Angeles.
