Luke Kennard‘s health could be a key element in the Grizzlies’ aim to win their series against the Lakers after trailing 3-1. Kennard injured his left shoulder in the second half of Game 5 but he provided an optimistic update after Memphis’ win. Game 6 is scheduled for Friday night, according to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
“I just got a stinger out there,” Kennard said. “Getting it looked at (Thursday), trying to find out a little more, but it’s all good right now.”
With Dillon Brooks struggling with his shot and the Lakers sagging off him, Kennard has proved to be a better offensive option, Joe Vardon of The Athletic notes. He’s shooting 50 percent on 3-pointers and 52 percent overall in this series.
“Luke is one of the best shooters in the league,” Ja Morant said. “Obviously that opens up a lot of space on the floor and we just play off that.”
We have more on the Grizzlies:
- Desmond Bane racked up 33 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in Game 5 and made a de facto guarantee that the Grizzlies will win Game 6 on the Lakers’ home floor, Tim MacMahon of ESPN relays. “We got to come with the right edge and the right road mentality, but I said it out there and I’ll say it again,” Bane said. “We’re going to be back for a Game 7 in front of the best fans in the NBA.”
- While there’s no indication he’ll be replaced if the team flops in the first round, coach Taylor Jenkins is under pressure to show he can be successful in the postseason. Cole and Mark Giann0tto of the Commercial Appeal examine that topic.
- In a subscriber-only story, Chris Herrinigton of the Daily Memphian examines how the Game 5 victory could propel Memphis the rest of the series, including the fact that Morant and Bane are hot offensively at the same time.
Should be two amazing games Friday night. The young teams that are down 3-2 have a lot of grit and determination and I don’t see them caving as a young team might. I definitely don’t see scores to the tune of 120-94. They will fight and claw to the end, but the veteran teams on the other side of the floor see this as a huge chance to move on. They won’t let it slip away and should come out ahead tonight. Lakers and Warriors at home tonight is no small opportunity and both will win their series in 6.
Both games should see a score around 119-117 something like that, a grind till the end.
When the Grizzlies lose tonight and they fire Taylor Jenkins I think that’s who the Raptors could be waiting for and will scoop him up immediately. Probably would be dumb to fire Jenkins but the article suggests he’s on the hot seat?