LOS ANGELES, CA — Frustration led to an ejection in the matchup between the L.A. Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 3 of Round 1 during the NBA Playoffs. A flagrant two-technical foul levied an ejection on Dillion Brooks for his dirty hit on Lebron James during the 3rd quarter of the contest. The Lakers led the entire way and claimed a 2-1 series lead in their 111-101 victory.
The Lakeshow’s playmakers delivered a performance of epic proportions to lift L.A. over Memphis in Game 3. Anthony Davis led the team with 31 points, 17 rebounds, and three assists. Lebron James did what he does best and added 29 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. From start to finish, the Lakers controlled the pace of play. After falling into the Grizzlies' tempo in Game 2, L.A. fixed some of the issues that plagued them. They got Davis and James the ball, and the two did the rest.
Ja Morant did everything humanly possible to keep Memphis in the game. He dropped 45 points on 50% shooting while making 13/14 free throw attempts. His herculean effort fell short as Memphis failed to stop the Lakers' offense. In fact, the Lakers survived more than anything after the 4th quarter ended. Morant added 24 of his 45 points in the 4th quarter alone to bring Memphis back within 10 points.
Drama filled the contest in the 3rd quarter when Dillon Brooks hit Lebron James in the groin. As James took an inbound pass up the court, Brooks stepped in and swatted James in the lower midsection. James reacted as any guy would immediately and dropped to his knees. Upon further review by the officials, the frustrated and disgruntled Brooks was called for a flagrant two-technical foul and ejected from the contest.
The capacity crowd in Los Angeles booed Brooks's every move. Brooks only had seven points on 3/13 shooting before his ejection. It seemed no one liked his comments after Game 2 when he called 38-old Lebron James old and belittled his current abilities. Brooks responded in a way that showed that he did not agree with the ejection.
Rui Hachimura had another great game coming off the bench. He added 16 points to the 7th-seeded Lakers total. Los Angeles tied an NBA record with their 26-point lead heading into the second quarter. Memphis only seriously threatened once they came within 10 points with two minutes remaining.
Game 4 between L.A. and Memphis is scheduled for Monday, April 24, at 9 p.m. (CST). The Lakers lead the series 2-1.
Dillon Brooks Hits Lebron James in the Groin
(Credit: twitter.com/@bleacherreport)
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