Lakers get historic start, overcome Dillon Brooks’ punch to LeBron James for 2-1 series lead
Chriss Hughes
Lakers star LeBron James controls the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Jo Morant drives to the basket as Lakers guard Austin Reeves defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward LeBron James, right, shoots as Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell threads a pass through traffic during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis, left, and the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. grapple for a loose ball during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis, right, shoots as Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Jo Morant gets to the basket for a layup in front of Lakers guard Austin Reeves during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James handles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, left, shoots as Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks shoots over Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt, left, defends as Memphis Grizzlies guard Jo Morant looks to pass during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, left, and Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt, right, reacts after Morant lost the ball out of bounds during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins reacts from the sideline during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Lakers on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis, left, yells as he dunks in front of Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers star Anthony Davis celebrates after scoring during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Anthony Davis celebrates after scoring during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Laker fans cheer during the first half of Game 3 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks scores in front of Lakers star LeBron James, center, during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis, right, shoots as Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers star LeBron James directs a teammate as Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James, center, and Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks, left, wait for the ball to come their way as the Grizzlies’ John Konchar looks on during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves, right, shoots as Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks, left, shoots as Lakers forward LeBron James, center, and forward Anthony Davis defend during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers forward LeBron James stands on the court waiting for play to resume during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, left, shoots as the Memphis Grizzlies’ John Konchar defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, left, shoots as Lakers forward Rui Hachimura defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell walks up the court during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell celebrates after scoring during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Anthony Davis handles the ball as the Memphis Grizzlies’ Xavier Tillman, center, defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James, left, is defended by Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt reacts after falling during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks drives to the basket during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Lakers on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James gets to the basket for a layup during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward LeBron James, left, shoots as Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers forward LeBron James reacts during a pause in play in the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis dunks during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers fans cheer during the first half of Game 3 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyus Jones, left, shoots as Lakers forward Troy Brown Jr., center, and forward Wenyen Gabriel defend during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers coach Darvin Ham reacts from the sideline during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis, left, and forward LeBron James stand on the court during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura goes up fr a dunk during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura dunks during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura celebrates after his dunk during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, left, celebrates after dunking during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks walks past Lakers star LeBron James during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. Brooks was ejected 17 seconds into the third quarter after striking James in the groin. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James walks up the court as Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks keeps an eye on him during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward Anthony Davis drives to the basket as the Memphis Grizzlies’ Xavier Tillman defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies’ Xavier Tillman dunks in front of Lakers forward LeBron James during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James wait for play to resume during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Dennis Schroder, right, blocks a shot by the Memphis Grizzlies’ Xavier Tillman during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks reacts to a foul call during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Lakers on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis dribbles as he gets tangled with the Memphis Grizzlies’ Santi Aldama during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers forward LeBron James scores on a layup in front of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Santi Aldama, center, and Xavier Tillman during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins talks with Ja Morant during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Lakers on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves drives to the basket as the Memphis Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks defends during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers star Anthony Davis reacts as the ball is knocked away in traffic during the first half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers forward LeBron James lays on the ground in pain in front of teammates D’Angelo Russell, right, Anthony Davis (3), Jarred Vanderbilt, second from left, and Austin Reaves, left, after the Memphis Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks struck him in the groin during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers star Anthony Davis drives to the basket as the Memphis Grizzlies’ Xavier Tillman defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Dennis Schroder takes a 3-point shot in front of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Tyus Jones during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James sits on the court after being hit in the face during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Lakers’ LeBron James is helped up off the court by teammates after being hit in the face during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James waits for play to resume during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Anthony Davis rebounds in front of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr., left, during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Memphis Grizzlies’ Xavier Tillman, left, fouls Lakers guard Austin Reaves as he reaches for a rebound during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James looks toward the scoreboard during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell controls the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James drives to the basket past the Memphis Grizzlies’ Xavier Tillman during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins gestures during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Lakers on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., right, shoots as Lakers forward LeBron James defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers star LeBron James waits for play to resume during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, right, shoots as Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers star Anthony Davis gestures after hitting a 3-point shot during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Anthony Davis gestures after hitting a 3-point shot during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Flea, bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, watches during the second half of Game 3 of the Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant drives to the basket as Lakers forward LeBron James defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James drives to the basket as the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James waits for play to resume during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward LeBron James shoots as Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, left, forward Xavier Tillman, second from left, and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. defend during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant reacts as he dribbles in front of the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura, left, and Dennis Schroder during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James waits for play to resume during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane, left, shoots as Lakers forward Troy Brown Jr., center, and forward LeBron James defend during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves, left, shoots as Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves, right, shoots as Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama, center, defends and guard Ja Morant watches during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant handles the ball as Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant tries to pass the ball while under pressure from Lakers forward Anthony Davis, left, forward Jarred Vanderbilt, second from right, and guard Austin Reaves during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers forward LeBron James, left, goes up for a dunk as Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman, center, and forward Anthony Davis watch during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant attempts a shot in front of the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura, left, and Dennis Schroder during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves, right, celebrates after scoring as Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane runs behind during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., center, shoots as Lakers forward Anthony Davis, left, and forward Jarred Vanderbilt defend during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers forward LeBron James shoots as Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Lakers forward LeBron James scores as the Memphis Grizzlies’ Xavier Tillman defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant dribbles around Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant attempts a shot between Lakers forwards LeBron James, right, and Jarred Vanderbilt, left, during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell dribbles into Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers star Anthony Davis shoots a jump hook over the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) and John Konchar (46) during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant drives to the basket as Lakers guard Dennis Schroder defends during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. , right, and Lakers forward Rui Hachimura reach for a rebound during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers forward LeBron James scores over Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant reacts as he is fouled by Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell celebrates their lead after a timeout during Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane shoots a jumper in front of Lakers forwards Rui Hachimura, right, and Anthony Davis during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis, left, jokes with the Memphis Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane (22) and Ja Morant, right, and teammate Dennis Schroder during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lakers forward LeBron James, right, talks with Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks before Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Ray Nicholson, son of actor Jack Nicholson, looks on during the second half of Game 3 of the first-round playoff series between the Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers controlling owner and team president Jeanie Buss, center, watches form the stands during Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks is introduced prior to Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Lakers on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward LeBron James tosses powder in the air prior to Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES — Seventeen seconds into the third quarter of the Lakers’ 111-101 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night, LeBron James was lying on the Crypto.com Arena court writhing in pain and Dillon Brooks was soon on his way to the locker room.
Up to that point, their contentious matchup had been mostly just talk, and mostly coming from Brooks. James said he didn’t have time for the nonsense after Brooks had called him old and indicated he had no respect for anyone who hadn’t scored 40 points against him during his career.
But then, as James dribbled the ball up the court in the opening seconds of the second half, Brooks punched the leading scorer in NBA history in the groin. After a brief review by the game’s officials, Brooks was assessed a flagrant-2 foul and ejected after scoring seven points on 3-for-13 shooting.
James remained in the game, helping to lead the Lakers to a wire-to-wire victory and a 2-1 series lead. Anthony Davis scored 31 points on 11-for-24 shooting and grabbed 17 rebounds. James scored 25 points on 10-for-20 shooting and Rui Hachimura scored 16 points in another strong effort off the bench as the Lakers built a 29-point first-half lead and never trailed.
Game 4 is Monday night at Crypto.com Arena.
“Me? The kind of statement I made?” James said, quizzically repeating a reporter’s question. “I’ve been doing this too long. I don’t make statements. We had an opportunity to come home and play well on our home floor, and we did that. No statements made. We just wanted to play well and we got a win.”
Asked about Brooks’ lack of respect, James said, “At the end of the day, I think my resume and what I’ve done for this league speaks for itself. I don’t really get caught up in any comments like that. My focus is on my teammates and how we can figure out a way to beat the Memphis Grizzlies, not how I can beat an individual or a team. If anybody knows me, they should know that’s what I’ve always been about.”
Brooks left the arena without speaking to reporters.
“Officials made a call,” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said of Brooks’ ejection.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 45 points, including 24 on 9-for-12 shooting in the fourth quarter, preventing Game 3 from turning into a farce. Desmond Bane had 18 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. had 13 points for the Grizzlies, who shot themselves out of the game during a dismal first quarter.
“That boy’s good,” James said of Morant, who went on a 22-point scoring binge at one point in the final quarter and finished one rebound shy of a triple-double (13 assists). “I mean, he’s good. I mean, he’s so good at attacking the rim that you want to try to keep bodies in front of him and make him live on the perimeter. Well, tonight, he made six 3-pointers.”
The Lakers settled matters with an electric start in the first playoff game with a capacity crowd in their home arena in a decade. A sellout of 18,997 was in full voice well before the opening tip and didn’t let up, igniting the Lakers’ surge to an 18-2 lead less than six minutes into the game.
The Lakers’ 35-9 lead by the end of the first quarter was tied for the largest in NBA playoff history, and it was the franchise’s biggest postseason lead after a quarter since they led the Boston Celtics by 21 points on June 12, 2008. They ended up losing Game 4 of the Finals despite their massive early lead.
The Grizzlies did themselves no favors in the first quarter. They missed 22 of 25 shots, including 12 of 13 from behind the 3-point arc, and had six turnovers that the Lakers turned into 10 points. The Lakers made 14 of their first 27 shots and seemed poised to deliver a beatdown.
No question, Brooks talked a good game after the Grizzlies’ victory in Game 2 tied the best-of-7 series at one victory apiece. But he didn’t play a good one to start Game 3, delighting the Lakers’ crowd with one miss after another. He would miss his first five shots before scoring on a drive.
Lakers fans booed Brooks during his pregame warmup, during the pregame introductions of the starting lineups and every time he handled the ball. They cheered wildly when his shots ricocheted off the rim and backboard and into the hands of waiting Laker rebounders.
The fans were in an uproar when a replay of Brooks’ punch was shown on the arena’s giant overhanging scoreboard. They turned their thunderous boos into cheers when his ejection was announced and he departed the court, his role as the Grizzlies’ top agitator having gotten the best of him.
After a few moments, James rose to his feet and continued to play his game.
“I think it’s been great, man,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said of James’ reaction to Brooks’ comments and actions. “He’s a consummate professional. He doesn’t get caught up in the war of words. He just goes out and speaks with his actions and speaks with his play. His leadership with the group has been – it’s not like he’s not saying nothing to you guys and then talking to us.
“He’s just been focused throughout and that’s the way we need him to be. Again, it’s not about the mano-a-mano matchup within a team sport. You’ve got to go out and make the right plays, Simple as that.”
“I think my resume and what I’ve done for this league… speaks for itself.” LeBron James isn’t focused on Dillon Brooks and his crazy antics. pic.twitter.com/KDsOHGlMXQ
“I thought our crowd was phenomenal, you felt them in the building… We look forward to having the same thing on Monday.” Darvin Ham wants #Lakers fans to keep the energy up in @cryptocomarena. pic.twitter.com/igIOrUcr2m
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