The Memphis Grizzlies were in a tough spot heading into Game 2 of their first round NBA playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Not only did they lose Game 1 on their home floor, but All-Star point guard Ja Morant also suffered an injury to his hand, which would keep him out for the game.
Despite not having him, the Grizzlies were able to come away with a 103-93 victory to even the series at one victory apiece. Memphis locked in on the defensive end, holding the Lakers to 41.2 percent shooting from the field and 26.9 percent from 3-point range.
The only players for Los Angeles to find consistent success on offense were Rui Hachimura and LeBron James. Hachimura scored 20 off the bench while James poured in 28 points to go along with 12 rebounds and three assists.
After the game, a lot of attention was on James courtesy of Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks. Known as an agitator, looking to get under his opponent’s skin, Brooks had some choice words when talking about the league’s all-time leading scorer. James reportedly told Brooks he was
“Dumb” for picking up his fourth foul, which Brooks shot a retort back to.
“I don’t care, he’s old,” Brooks said. “I was waiting for that, I was expecting him to do that Game 4, Game 5, he wanted to say something when I got my fourth foul. He shouldn’t have said that earlier on. I poke bears. I don’t respect anyone until they come and give me 40.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
There has only been one player in the league to score 40+ points against Memphis in a game Brooks played this season. The only player to have Brooks’s respect, in that regard, is Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers.
As if a player such as James wasn’t motivated enough to play at a high level, Brooks has provided him and his teammates with some bulletin board material. While Brooks didn’t walk back any of his comments, he elaborated more, saying he has respect for James but on the court, he is just another player.
“Obviously, I have some respect,” Brooks said. “He’s a legend. He’s LeBron James. But when I’m on that floor, you’re just another player to me. I don’t care who you are. You’re just 6-8, 270 pounds, and you’re a basketball player. And that’s where guys, they don’t see that part of that game, where like, oh, I had those moments, year one, year two, where it’s like, ‘Oh, he’s glowing; he’s shining.’ But now I’m creating a name for myself.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Brooks has certainly created a name for himself with some of his antics on the court. He is a hard-nosed wing defender, very likely one of the better ones in the league. But, there is no reason to be poking the bear with the series set to return to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4.
Confidence certainly isn’t lacking for Brooks, who believes that he, despite being at a size disadvantage, will be able to wear James down. He noted that James is well past his prime, which he is.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies, LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
But, he has shown no signs of slowing down production-wise on the court and remains someone that can take over a game at a moment’s notice. With all of the post-game trash talk being delivered by Brooks, it would not be surprising if we saw a vintage James game at Crypto.com Arena this weekend.
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