The Lakers clowned the Grizzlies with their own victory chants and dances after knocking them out of the playoffs
While the Memphis Grizzlies talked copious amounts of trash throughout their first-round series with the Los Angeles Lakers, the purple and gold were mostly content to let their play do the talking during their six-game series win to tip off the NBA playoffs.Or at least they were... until they had officially buried the Grizz.
The Los Angeles Lakers have moved on to the second round of the NBA playoffs, and while we still don't know whether they will play the Golden State Warriors or the Sacramento Kings - they will have to wait and see who wins Sunday's Game 7 between those two rosters - we do know which days they will play the next round on.
How Jonathan Kuminga and Jordan Poole can lift a fatigued Warriors team
Steve Kerr's voice was clear.His pleas heard loud enough for those seated behind the Warriors bench at FedEx Forum to hear.Shoot the ball!Kerr's cries were directed at Jonathan Kuminga who the Memphis Grizzlies left wide open with the ball from 3. With no option for a pass for a better look, Kuminga took Kerr's advice and shot the ball from the top-left wing and hit it.
Knicks open with 14th best odds to win 2023-24 NBA title
After a 47-35 record in the 2022-23 NBA regular season, the New York Knicks entered the playoffs as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.Defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games, they would take on the Miami Heat in round two.A loss in Game Six in Miami ended New York's season early.Nonetheless, it was a very successful season for a Knicks team that had been projected to win around 38-40 games and be a play-in team.
Miami won't leave this Boston Celtics fan alone - even in the NBA Finals
The following is a Boston Celtics fan's reaction to the first two games of the NBA Finals, as he looks to answer the question that no one asked: "How does a Celtics fan-whose team is not in any way, shape, or form participating in the NBA Finals- feel about what has thus far transpired?"I hope you enjoy.
Now that the dust has settled, should the Lakers re-sign D'Angelo Russell?
Now that it's been a few weeks since the Los Angeles Lakers' season ended in a hotly contested sweep to the Nuggets that was decided by a total of 24 points, we can take a closer look at the team's free agency decisions with a clearer lens devoid of what could have been.The player who may most benefit from that clearing of the lenses is D'Angelo Russell, who had a very, very poor series against the likely (and heavily favored, just don't tell Coach Mike Malone) champions Denver Nuggets.
LeBron James takes victory lap after win: 'If you ever see me fighting in the forest with a Grizzly bear, HELP THE BEAR'
When the NBA playoffs come around, LeBron James usually activates what he has dubbed "Zero Dark Thirty-23" mode, in which the Lakers star logs out of social media for the duration of the postseason to focus even more fully on basketball.With an exception in the 2020 NBA bubble - when social media was his main connection to the outside world - James has done this every year while his team is alive during the postseason since 2013.
Lakers get run off the floor by Grizzlies in second half
The Lakers couldn't get the job done on the road, losing Game 5 to the Memphis Grizzlies, 116-99.Memphis was in control for most of the game and secured the victory by going on a 17-2 run in the third, a run that started when head coach Darvin Ham benched Anthony Davis at the 4:04 mark with the Lakers down by just a single point.
Potential Ja Morant suspension would have negative side effects for Bulls
Point guard problems were the story of the season for the Chicago Bulls this year, as they repeatedly struggled in the face of not having a point guard to set the table on offense.The Bulls were not the only team with point guard problems this year though, as the Memphis Grizzlies have arguably an even more pressing problem on their hands.
Chicago Bulls ditch Dalen Terry in The Athletic's 2022 NBA Re-Draft
If you were to coax the truth out of any member of the Chicago Bulls front office, I think most would confess that Dalen Terry's rookie season had much in common with several other players on the roster, in that it was a disappointment.Although the Bulls were once again in need of depth at the wing this season, the former Arizona Wildcat made only 38 appearances and averaged just 5.6 minutes per game when he did manage to get on the court.
Toronto Raptors welcome Head Coach Darko Rajakovic
On Tuesday afternoon, in Maple Leaf Square, in front of media, fans and even a few players, the Toronto Raptors officially introduced and welcomed Darko Rajakovic (rye-ahk-oe-vich) as the franchise's next head coach.Rajakovic is the 10th head coach in Toronto Raptors history.The event was a celebratory affair, with balloons, music, and was held outdoors - risky in Toronto, but it turned out okay.
Nikola Jokic praises Raptors' hiring of Darko Rajakovic as coach
The Toronto Raptors made Darko Rajakovic, who spent the last four seasons alongside Taylor Jenkins with the Memphis Grizzlies, their next head coach and the replacement for the now-departed Nick Nurse.Toronto just narrowly missed out on making history with this hire.Rajakovic is just the second Serbian head coach in NBA history, as the Phoenix Suns made history when they hired Igor Kokoskov way back in 2018.
Toronto Raptors select Memphis Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic as new head coach
The wait is over!On Saturday afternoon, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Toronto Raptors would hire Darko Rajakovic as the franchise's next head coach.Rajakovic's resume includes head coaching for the NBA G League, and assistant gigs in Oklahoma City and Phoenix before his most recent gig with the Memphis Grizzlies.
NBA Twitter, Toronto Raptors fans react to Darko Rajakovic hire
The Toronto Raptors became the last team to hire their head coach for the 2023-24 season, choosing to replace Nick Nurse with Darko Rajakoivic.The second Serbian head coach in NBA history, Rajakovic spent the last few seasons as an assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies.Rajakovic has been coaching in America for over a decade, splitting his time between the Tulsa 66ers of the G League and nine straight years as an assistant with the Thunder, Suns, and Grizzlies.
Raptors make stunning move, hire Darko Rajakovic as head coach
The Toronto Raptors were the only team in the NBA without a head coach after the Monty Williams move, though they seemed to narrow their final list of candidates down to three.Darko Rajakovic may not have been a household name to many, but he will be soon enough.Rajakovic spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies and has been cutting his teeth in the NBA for almost a decade with the Thunder and Suns.
Pros and Cons of Raptors pursuing Dillon Brooks in free agency
The Toronto Raptors would have been over the moon to have a chance at signing Memphis Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks in free agency just a few months ago.A Mississauga-born, experienced wing who is a threat on the defensive end every single night, Brooks has sabotaged his own free agency in the last few weeks.
This trade sending Kuzma to Memphis is a winner for the Wizards
As all signs point to an active offseason in Washington, the trade rumors surrounding the Wizards are picking up.The impending free agencies of Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis, combined with the news coming out of the Wizards front office that a rebuild may be coming, makes both Kuzma and Porzingis vulnerable to trade rumors.
Lakers turn focus toward Game 6: 'We have another opportunity'
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Inside a mostly quiet Lakers locker room late Wednesday night, the biggest concern was about the status of Anthony Davis and his availability for their close-out Game 6 on Friday against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.comArena.Davis had departed the game with 7 minutes and 34 seconds left at Chase Center.
Column: Pieces of Lakers puzzle falling into place as they take series lead over Warriors
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
D'Angelo Russell was the second major piece added to the puzzle that was the Lakers at midseason.He landed back where his career had begun a few weeks after Rob Pelinka, the team's vice president of basketball operations and general manager, acquired Rui Hachimura to kickstart the heavy lifting of remaking them into something palatable.
3 takeaways from the Lakers' Game 1 win over the Warriors
After overhauling their roster at the deadline - and starting with a win over the Golden State Warriors no less - the new-look Lakers finished the season with 18 wins in 27 games and the NBA's third-best defensive rating during that span.Still, it was hard to know if they'd be any good when the games really counted, if they could even get there.
Column: Feels so familiar: Lakers' close-out win is one for the ages
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Jack was back.The Memphis Grizzlies never stood a chance.D-Lo was floating.The Memphis Grizzlies never got close.A.D. was relentless, The King ruled, and screams of "Dee-fence" and "M-V-P" and "Let's Go Lakers" rocked the house and rolled down Figueroa Street.
3 takeaways from the Lakers parading past Memphis to the second round
The Los Angeles Lakers obliterated the Memphis Grizzlies in an end-to-end domination as thorough as you'll ever see in a closeout game, eventually winning Game 6 by a final score of 125-85 on Friday night.In other words, they finally gave Dillon Brooks (a) 40 (point loss), which brings us to the first of our three takeaways from a truly enjoyable blowout... Dillon Brooks is a clown Brooks, who went into the series hoping to face the Lakers and LeBron James because it would "test us good" to "knock him out in the first round," found out the hard way that the first part of that was true: Playing against LeBron did indeed test Brooks and his front-running friends, an exam they failed miserably over six games, but none in a more spectacular fireball of ineptitude than Dillon the Villain.
The Lakers confirmed the Grizzlies weren't fine in the West, advance to second round
Behind a rout, the Lakers are now only the sixth seven seed to take down a two-seed after finishing off the Memphis Grizzlies, 125-85, in Game 6.Despite the stakes, the game was never in question as the Lakers dominated from the tip behind a 22-point performance from LeBron James, a 16 points and 14 rebound outing from Anthony Davis and a breakout D'Angelo Russell game who ended the night with 31 points.
Should Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley get rings if Lakers win NBA title?
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
The Lakers are still alive in the NBA playoffs, tied at one game apiece with the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals.Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley are no longer part of the team this postseason after being dealt by the Lakers before the NBA's trade deadline in February and landing on teams that are done for the season.
Photos: Lakers eliminate the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA playoffs
The Lakers advanced to the NBA Western Conference semifinals Friday with a dominant 125-85 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 6 at Crypto.comArena.Los Angeles Times veteran photographer Wally Skalij captured some of the game's biggest moments from his courtside vantage point.Here are some of his best photos from the Lakers' series-clinching win:
Anthony Davis leads Lakers but LeBron James struggles as Grizzlies stay alive
(Brandon Dill / Associated Press)
LeBron James jogged backward down the near sideline, his lips pursed after another jumper rattled in and bounced out.James and the Lakers were getting avalanched, but a run to undo a 17-point deficit got them to within a point before the Memphis Grizzlies smothered them with a barrage of baskets.
Former Boston Celtics center sends strong message on Dillon Brooks: Making him 'fall guy'
Former Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins had a strong message in defense of Dillon Brooks, who as Shams Charania reported, will not return to the Memphis Grizzlies "under any circumstances" this summer.The Memphis Grizzlies have informed pending free agent Dillon Brooks that he will not be brought back under any circumstances, league sources say.
BOSTON -- Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said Friday he doesn't anticipate All-Star Jaylen Brown missing a significant amount of time after suffering a broken bone in his face.Stevens said Brown has been fitted with a mask.Brown was diagnosed with a maxillary fracture after he took an inadvertent elbow from Jayson Tatum on Wednesday while going for a rebound during Boston's win over Philadelphia.
Celtics' Jaylen Brown Not Expected to Need Surgery for Facial Injury
Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown is not expected to need surgery for the facial injury he suffered in Wednesday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens told reporters Friday.Brown has already been fitted for a mask and Boston doesn't expect him to be sidelined for too long, Stevens added.
Jayson Tatum, Derrick White Amaze NBA Twitter as Celtics Beat LaMelo Ball, Hornets
The Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets 127-116 on Friday night at TD Garden despite missing Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown and Al Horford due to injuries.Boston's depth continues to be tested of late, and the team continues to come up big when it matters most.Derrick White was Boston's lightning in a bottle against Charlotte, finishing with 33 points, three rebounds, 10 assists, one steal and three blocks in 36 minutes.
BOSTON -- Celtics guard Jaylen Brown said he's still unsure of his status for next weekend's All-Star Game in Salt Lake City after suffering a facial fracture in a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday."I'm taking it day to day right now," Brown said before the Celtics' 119-109 win against the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Garden on Sunday.
Jayson Tatum Frustrates Celtics Fans During Win vs. Ja Morant, Grizzlies
Jayson Tatum is one of the NBA's brightest stars, but his teammates picked up the slack Sunday as the Boston Celtics earned a 119-109 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.In a battle of MVP candidates, Ja Morant did his job with 25 points, seven assists and six boards for Memphis.Tatum wasn't nearly as productive offensively for the Celtics, finishing with 16 points on 3-of-16 shooting (1-of-8 from three).
The Washington Wizards could benefit from a Dillon Brooks signing
On Tuesday, it was announced that the Memphis Grizzlies will not re-sign small forward Dillon Brooks 'under any circumstances'.This is an incredibly harsh statement to be made publicly the way it was.The Memphis Grizzlies have informed pending free agent Dillon Brooks that he will not be brought back under any circumstances, league sources say.
Warriors blow chance to clinch at home, drop Game 6 to Kings
SAN FRANCISCO The Warriors' Game 5 win in Sacramento earlier this week set the defending champs up for the chance to clinch their first-round series on home court, where they've been nearly unbeatable in the playoffs.But the Warriors blew a golden opportunity, opening the game flat and spending most of the final three quarters trying to play catch.
NBA playoffs live updates: Warriors can advance to next round in Game 6 vs. Kings
To view the live updates on your mobile device click here.GAME 6: Kings at Warriors at Chase Center, at 5 p.m. TV: ESPN.Announcers: Mike Breen (play-by-play), Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy (color commentary), Lisa Salters (sideline reporting).ODDS: Warriors -7.5.OVER/UNDER: 236.5.(Both from Caesar's Sportsbook.)
Could steady Klay Thompson step up again to help Warriors clinch in Game 6?
Klay Thompson's consistent play throughout this season has made him an essential player in this tense first-round series between the Warriors and the Kings.And it could manifest another Game 6 Klay moment.Thompson played in foul trouble throughout most of Game 5 and finished with 25 points, second only to Stephen Curry's 31.
How Gary Payton II can change the Warriors' entire defense for the better
Gary Payton II's imminent return could turn the Warriors back into a defensive juggernaut just in time for the playoff push.Can one player change an entire defense?In Payton's case, yes.We all know what GP is capable of on the defensive end, Draymond Green said on his podcast last February.Can plug GP right in, and he knows the system like the back of his hand.
Warriors notebook: Jonathan Kuminga feels empowered by vets' support
HOUSTON Jonathan Kuminga doesn't need any help in the confidence department, but the 20-year-old still finds comfort in knowing that he has his teammates in his corner.Whether it be Andre Iguodala pulling him aside during timeouts to point out something he saw that Kuminga didn't or Draymond Green patting Kuminga on the back when he makes a mistake, the 20-year-old feels empowered by the veterans on his team to play freely and aggressively.
Could Darko Rajakovic become the Toronto Raptors' coach?
The Toronto Raptors may not have the best chances at luring Becky Hammon to town based on her latest quotes, but that doesn't mean their coaching search is totally bereft of quality.The Raptors have already gotten a start on the process, interviewing Sacramento Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez last week.
Grizzlies hand Warriors their 11th straight road loss
MEMPHIS A rare Warriors' road win appeared to be within reach Saturday night.Despite playing catch up all night in Memphis, the Warriors had the game's momentum swing in their favor at periods in the second half.A reverse layup by Stephen Curry made it a two-point game early in the fourth.But the Warriors' shooting would go cold and the Grizzlies had their way.
Clutch shooting disappears as Warriors drop 10th straight road game in Atlanta
A high-scoring game was inevitable.And Warriors' road losses are becoming inevitable, too.The Warriors played without Draymond Green, who served his one-game suspension after earning his 16th technical foul against the Clippers.The Atlanta Hawks have one of the league's worst defensive ratings.Little resistance on either end resulted in a 127-119 Warriors loss at State Farm Arena on Friday.
A missed Cody Zeller set to return to Miami Heat lineup
Being a pretty good rebounding team for most of the year and definitely taking it to teams on the glass since the All-Star break with the help of their new acquisitions, Kevin Love and Cody Zeller, the Miami Heat have looked a bit pedestrian on the glass as of late.In the last three contests, a defeat to the Orlando Magic and wins over the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies, the Miami Heat have been outdone on the glass by the opposing teams.
Jimmy Butler blasted Nickelback. The Heat won two straight.
In the closing seconds of the Miami Heat's March 11 overtime loss to the Orlando Magic, Jimmy Butler walked off the court.Butler had scored 38 points, including a buzzer-beating 3 to score the extra period.But he got no help to defeat a team headed for the lottery.A referee whistled the Heat for a technical foul because Butler's exit left Miami with only four players on the court.
Heat pour on best offensive performance of season, beat Grizzlies 138-119
The Miami Heat poured on their best offensive game of the season Wednesday evening against the Memphis Grizzlies, scoring a season-high 138 points in its 138-119 victory over Memphis inside Miami-Dade Arena.The Heat had seven double figure scorers, including three 20-point scorers, shooting 59.8 percent from the floor and 44.8 percent from 3-point range (13-28).
Miami Heat dominate Grizz in most explosive game of year, 138-119
The Miami Heat had their most explosive offensive night of the season on Wednesday night.Scoring nearly 140 points on the night to blow the doors off of the Memphis Grizzlies, though they would still be without star guard, Ja Morant, the Miami Heat continued their offensive surge from the last couple of games.
NBA GAMETHREAD: Memphis Grizzlies (41-26) @ Miami Heat (37-33)
This is our GAMETHREAD: Chat live about the game here!The Miami Heat (37-33) host the Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies (41-26) Wednesday night at the Miami-Dade Arena.Kyle Lowry is available tonight after previously being listed as questionable with left knee soreness, but he will remain as a reserve with Gabe Vincent in the starting lineup.
GAME PREVIEW: Miami Heat to host Memphis Grizzlies with no Ja Morant
Game Story: The 37-33 Miami Heat will be looking to pick up back to back wins as they host the Memphis Grizzlies.The Grizzlies will be without their MVP in Ja Morant and another starter in Steven Adams.However, stars being out has never had a serious change in game with Miami this year.Everyone should still expect this to be a fight, as the Grizzlies are a scrappy physical team.
JaMychal Green finally finding fit with Warriors after setbacks
SAN FRANCISCO JaMychal Green promised shortly after he signed a one-year deal in free agency that he would help Draymond Green with the dirty work.Be a dog, JaMychal Green said back in August.Knock down shots and play defense.Just coming in here to play hard.That dog had a little more bite Monday night in the Warriors' win over the Phoenix Suns.
Former Raptors great leaves rival to become HC at Georgia Tech
The Toronto Raptors are quite a ways behind the rival Boston Celtics when it comes to competing for a championship.Boston has set up a very sustainable roster led by an expert cabal of coaches, one of them being former Raptors point guard and top draft pick Damon Stoudamire.Stoudamire, like Marcus Camby and Tracy McGrady, ended up becoming another player that Toronto gave up on too quickly (even if he forced his way out).