The Los Angeles Lakers (4-2) came back from a 14-point halftime deficit and pulled away with a strong fourth-quarter performance to secure a 117–112 win against the Memphis Grizzlies (3-3) on November 1.
Here are the key stats and the top performers in the game.
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Luka Doncic LAL PG 44 PTS | 12 REB | 6 AST | 62.4 FPS
Doncic missed his last three games with a finger and leg injury but returned with a bang, pouring in 16 points in the third to notch his 49th career 40+ point game. He’s been unstoppable against Memphis, scoring at least 25 points in each of their last 10 matchups. Doncic also got off to an explosive start this season, posting his third consecutive 40-point double-double performance.
BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE:
Jock Landale MEM C 16 PTS | 5 REB | 1 STL | 26.5 FPS
Landale has been stepping up for a shorthanded Memphis, posting at least 15 points twice in his last three games while maintaining solid numbers in rebounding.
SCORING MACHINES:
Austin Reaves LAL SG 21 PTS | 5-14 FG | 9-9 FT | 32.8 FPS
Reaves shot an impressive 57.3% from the field in his first four games this season, but his efficiency declined in his last two games, particularly from the three-point area, making just 5-of-19. Despite that, he continues to produce big numbers from the foul line while also making an impact in other categories.
Jaren Jackson MEM C 15 PTS | 6-8 FG | 2-2 3PT | 19.3 FPS
JJJ’s offensive production to start the season has been efficient and consistent, scoring at least 15 points in every game. However, his defensive impact has been up-and-down with foul trouble becoming a major issue.
STAT SPECIALIST:
Santi Aldama MEM PF 7 PTS | 10 REB | 3 AST | 24.5 FPS
Santi is a consistent spark off the bench, averaging 10.3 points and 1.5 steals per game. His work on the boards is just as impressive, tallying 10 rebounds in each of his last two games.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT:
Cedric Coward MEM SG 13 PTS | 10 REB | 3 STL | 36.5 FPS
Coward continues to turn heads, recording his fifth double-digit scoring performance despite missing all four of his three-point attempts. He also made up for it on defense, posting his best numbers in rebounding and steals so far.
THE SHARPSHOOTER:
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope MEM SG 12 PTS | 4-7 FG | 2-4 3PT | 20.9 FPS
KCP notched his fourth game scoring in double figures while continuing to contribute solid playmaking numbers. However, his shooting percentages could be higher. In two seasons with the Nuggets, he consistently averaged 10 points while shooting 40% from three.
THE X-FACTOR:
Jake LaRavia LAL PF 13 PTS | 5 REB | 3 STL | 27.0 FPS
LaRavia continues to trend in the right direction, recording his second-consecutive double digit scoring performance. In his last game, he stood out with 27 points on an incredible 10-for-11 shooting from the floor.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Jaylen Wells MEM SG 16 PTS | 7-16 FG | 7 REB | 24.4 FPS
Wells finished with his best scoring and rebounding performance this season. He’s been a big part of the rotation this month but his shooting percentages have been lacking.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Ja Morant MEM PG 8 PTS | 3-14 FG | 0-6 3PT
Morant struggled again on offense, recording 12 points or fewer for the second time in six games. His three-point shooting has been a big problem, converting only 5 of his 32 attempts this season. Despite that, he’s still averaging close to 21 points per game while posting at least six assists in each of his past five games.
