Memphis head coach Tuomas Iisalo addressed the challenges of containing Los Angeles’ stars after the 128-121 loss at Crypto.com Arena. “We had a very clear game plan… get the ball out of Doncic’s hands and make other guys finish. Only today, those guys shot with a great percentage,” he said.
Iisalo noted that Lakers’ mid-range efficiency and offensive rebounds made the difference. “They got into the mid-range, finished some tougher shots, and also got some offensive rebounds, but overall shot quality was a little bit too high for the Lakers,” he explained.
The Grizzlies’ rotation adjustments were a focus with Jaren Jackson Jr. in foul trouble. “Jock and Santi did a very good job filling in and also GG from the bench and sparked some of our runs,” Iisalo said.
Jackson’s approach despite early fouls impressed the coach. “Especially in the second half, I loved his aggressiveness. He was getting into the paint, finishing several ones, finding the balance between kicking out when they helped or absorbing contact,” Iisalo noted.
Iisalo also reflected on the closing moments of the fourth quarter. “They made a couple of shots. There was a huge three at the end of the shot clock from LaRavia… we got some good looks but couldn’t convert, and that’s a lot of times the difference,” he said.
The Grizzlies were hampered by missing six rotation players, including Zach Edey, while Memphis fell to 15-19. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the team with 25 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 20, and Ja Morant contributed 16 points and 11 assists.
Los Angeles overcame a 15-point deficit in the second quarter, with Luka Doncic scoring 34 points and LeBron James adding 31, leading a fourth-quarter 12-2 run. The Lakers shot 58% overall, 34% from three, and 87% from the free-throw line while collecting 42 rebounds and 20 assists.
Memphis will aim to rebound in the second game of the two-game set against the Lakers on Sunday in Los Angeles, looking to adjust for the absence of key players and contain Los Angeles’ star power.
