For the trouble the Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant brought on himself this season for his off-court behavior, he remains a unique and incredible talent.
Morant and backcourt partner Desmond Bane ensured the Grizzlies extended their season, putting on an offensive display in a 116-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series on Wednesday.
With the Grizzlies facing elimination at home, Morant had 31 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, and Bane had 33 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, and at one point early in the fourth quarter, they had combined for 60 of Memphis’ 101 points.
The Lakers lead the series 3-2 and can close out the series Friday in Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Just 13 teams have come back from a 3-1 deficit. Denver did it twice in the 2020 Orlando bubble, and Cleveland overcame a 3-1 hole to beat Golden State in the 2016 NBA Finals.
Memphis controlled most of Wednesday’s game, however, the Lakers made a run in the third quarter, gained momentum and trailed 75-74 with 4:01 left in the third quarter.
The Grizzlies finished the quarter on 19-2 run and opened a 101-76 lead with 10:16 left in the fourth quarter.
Morant, playing with an injured right (shooting) hand, scored 11 points in the third quarter, and Bane scored 21 of his points in the first half, including 14 in the opening quarter.
Lakers star LeBron James had 15 points on just 5-for-17 shooting and was just 1-for-9 on 3-pointers. Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 31 points and 19 rebounds.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Grizzlies fight off elimination vs. Lakers, force Game 6 in LA