Lakers vs Grizzlies: Luka Dončić’s 44 powers L.A. to 117–112 NBA Cup comeback in Memphis

Bassyonni

ago 14 hours

Lakers vs Grizzlies

Luka Dončić returned from a three-game absence and took over the opening night of NBA Cup play, dropping 44 points with 12 rebounds and 6 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers erased a 14-point halftime deficit to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117–112 at FedExForum on Friday night. The result puts L.A. 1–0 in group play and hands Memphis another early Cup setback despite a blistering second quarter.

Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies: how the game swung

Memphis detonated late in the first half with a 27–4 blitz and a 42–24 second quarter, surging to a 69–55 lead at the break behind hot shooting and second-chance fuel. The Lakers flipped the script after halftime by tightening the point-of-attack defense, cleaning the glass, and trusting Dončić to orchestrate methodically. L.A. won the third 34–22 and the fourth 28–21, leaning on empty-side actions that isolated Dončić without exposing the corners. Memphis’ offense cooled under pressure, and the Lakers’ role players—smart cuts, timely contests, and free throws—closed the door.

Tactical beats

L.A. scrapped most early traps, instead switching selectively and keeping a body at the nail to discourage Ja Morant’s drives.
On offense, ghost screens and 45-cuts punished late help, freeing Dončić for step-backs and foul-line trips.
Memphis won the offensive-rebound battle but couldn’t convert at the same clip in half-court late.

Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies match player stats (top lines)

Lakers

Luka Dončić: 44 pts, 12 reb, 6 ast, 6 threes
Austin Reaves: 21 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast (9-of-9 FT)
Marcus Smart: 12 pts, 4 ast, 2 stl
Rui Hachimura: 9 pts, key late boards/contests
Deandre Ayton: 9 pts in 17 minutes (did not play second half after back tightness; listed available)

Bench highlights: Jake LaRavia 13 pts; useful minutes from Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes stabilizing the interior.

Grizzlies

Jock Landale: 16 pts (2 threes)
Jaylen Wells: 16 pts, 7 reb
Jaren Jackson Jr.: 15 pts
Cam Spencer: 12 pts, 2 stl
Cedric Coward: 13 pts, 10 reb (energy off the bench)
Ja Morant: 8 pts, 8 ast (scoreless after halftime)

Team scoring by quarter: LAL 31–24–34–28; MEM 27–42–22–21.

NBA starting lineups

Lakers (confirmed): Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton.
Grizzlies (confirmed): Ja Morant, Jaylen Wells, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale.

Lakers vs Grizzlies: why it matters for the NBA Cup

Group games compress urgency into the season’s opening stretch. Banking a road win—and five-point tiebreak cushion—gives the Lakers early control in their pool, especially with Dončić now at three straight 40-point outings to open his campaign. For Memphis, the template that worked before halftime (pace, rim pressure, and early-clock threes) must carry deeper into the fourth; otherwise, half-court droughts will keep tilting close Cup games away.

Where to watch Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies (replays & next meeting)

Replays/condensed games: Check the league’s official streaming service and your team’s digital platforms for full and short-form replays. Availability can vary by region and subscription.
Next matchup: The regular-season series resumes in early January; consult each team’s schedule for broadcast/streaming options as windows are assigned closer to tip.

Quick stats at a glance

Final: Lakers 117, Grizzlies 112
Venue: FedExForum (attendance 16,122)
Swing factor: Third-quarter defensive clamps and Dončić’s late-clock shot diet
Notable absence: LeBron James (sciatica), targeting a mid-November return window

What’s next

For L.A., the formula is clear: let Dončić steer, trust Reaves as the secondary engine, and keep the bench disruptive on defense. For Memphis, emphasizing second-side actions and maintaining early-half tempo late should help unlock Jaren Jackson Jr. as a closer while easing Morant’s burden. With Cup standings tight, both teams’ next group games will carry outsized weight on point differential and seeding.