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Key Moments From LA's Game 1 Upset Win Vs Memphis Grizzlies

The Lake Show is back?

Alex Kirschenbaum

Key Moments From LA's Game 1 Upset Win Vs Memphis Grizzlies
Key Moments From LA's Game 1 Upset Win Vs Memphis Grizzlies /
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Your Los Angeles Lakers shocked the world (well, okay, a lot of pundits actually thought they'd win, including several on this very website, but still) when they vanquished the Memphis Grizzlies, in Memphis, in the first game of their Western Conference Quarterfinals matchup, winning 128-112.

Center Anthony Davis, backup forward Rui Hachimura and starting shooting guards Austin Reaves were the stars of the show. Davis' two-way dominance and hustle, especially in the paint, showcased just how unstoppable he can be when he stays healthy-ish for a full game.

Hachimura led all Lakers scorers with 29 points on 11-of-14 shooting from the field (5-of-6 from three) and 2-of-2 shooting from the free throw line. Reaves went on an epic heater in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 of his 23 total points in the frame to help power LA to a win (more on that in a second). Davis scored 22 points while shooting 10-of-17 from the floor and 2-of-2 from the foul line, grabbed 12 rebounds, blocked a playoff career-high seven seven!) shots, dished out three dimes (against three turnovers) and swiped three steals. 

LeBron James had a relatively quiet and sloppy game, and even then he scored 21 points on 50% shooting, grabbed 11 rebounds, blocked three shots, and stole two. He had five assists, yes, but he also turned the ball over five times and seemed to tire a bit in the fourth quarter, often deferring to Reaves and Davis to bring the team home.

Let's take a look at some of the best moments from LA's win.

Hachimura, who's been at best erratic since joining LA, was probably the game's most improbable star. It wasn't just the insanely good three-point shooting. We actually got to see some engaged inside play from Hachimura. We know he's capable of this kind of night from time to time, but if he can do this at least twice per playoff round, he might get some major money in restricted free agency from Rob Pelinka and co.:

Davis' seven (seven!) blocks were tremendous, and he looked plenty quick in defending one of the top three Defensive Player of the Year candidates, Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr.:

Austin Reaves, in the midst of his 14-point fourth quarter run, had a pretty bold proclamation, while seemingly cementing a lucrative new contract for his restricted free agency:

In terms of James highlights, his most re-watchable moment actually came on defense, a rarity for LBJ these days. We got to witness a throwback chase-down block over Memphis shooting guard Desmond Bane:

I guess he's still got it.

Los Angeles will get a chance to further cement its new series edge with a potential second road win on Wednesday night at FedEx Forum.

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Alex Kirschenbaum
ALEX KIRSCHENBAUM

Basketball is Alex's favorite sport, he likes the way they dribble up and down the court.

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