Twitter Gets Fired Up For Fiesty Lakers-Grizzlies Game 2

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Los Angeles Lakers v Memphis Grizzlies - Game Two
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 19: Xavier Tillman #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers of Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 16, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. at FedExForum on April 19, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Big performances and defensive dominance in Game 2 of Grizzlies-Lakers had Twitter going off.

You should never count out the Lakers. Former Laker Kyle Kuzma said they were a Finals team. Prior to the NBA playoffs, LeBron dismissed their seventh-seed status because "everyone's 0-0 now." And then the Lakers proceeded to the second-seed Grizzlies by 16. Sure, the Grizzlies didn't have Ja Morant but still, it wasn't pretty.

Things needed to change, especially with starter Xavier Tillman's awful 2-3-3 stat line in 22 minutes of action. With Morant a game-time decision, everyone would need to bring their best game to avoid dropping to 0-2 and staring down the barrel of embarrassment. The last time a seed that high went down 0-2 was the 2017 one-seed Celtics. While the Celtics rallied in that series, just 32 teams in the history of the NBA playoffs have come back from 0-2 down.

Grizzlies' Defense Dominates Game 2

Let's start with Xavier Tillman. The 2020 second-round pick out of Michigan State absolutely showed up after his dismal game one. In 32 minutes, Tillman put up 22 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 10-for-13. Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. showcased why he was Defensive Player of the Year with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Also laying down dominant defense was Dillon Brooks, who helped hold LeBron to just 1-for-8 three-point shooting. Also helping the Grizzlies were poor nights from D'Angelo Russell and James Vanderbilt. Both were Lakers starters who played at least 20 minutes and put up less than 10 points. However, Rui Hachimura put up 20 from the bench. In comparison, the Grizzlies' bench scored a combined 24.

The Grizzlies led by 14 at the half and weathered a Lakers comeback attempt down the stretch to win by 10. Tillman led the Grizzlies with 22 points, while LeBron led all scorers with 28. However, despite posting a double-double with 12 rebounds, LeBron was a cold shooter thanks to the stifling Grizzlies D. LeBron went 12-for-23 and 1-for-8 from three. Additionally, he shot just four free throws as Memphis made sure to keep him away from the line. With Morant's return uncertain, the Grizzlies did what they needed to do in order to mitigate his absence. However, the big question is that if they can do without Morant, what heights can they reach with him present? The teams will meet again on Saturday for a pivotal Game 3.

Twitter Reacts

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About The Author
Ben Mock
Benjamin Mock (they/them) is a sports and culture writer working out of Philadelphia. Previously writing for the likes of Fixture, Dexerto, Fragster, and Jaxon, Ben has dedicated themselves to engaging and accessible articles about sports, esports, and internet culture. With a love for the weirder stories, you never quite know what to expect from their work.
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