Luka Doncic returned with a stunning performance of 44 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Morant struggled, making only 3 of 14 shots; Lakers defeated the Grizzlies in the NBA Cup game.

On November 1st Beijing time, the Lakers played the Grizzlies away in the NBA Cup with Doncic returning. After four quarters, the Lakers triumphed 117-112. Doncic scored 44 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists; Reeves added 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists; LaRavia contributed 13 points and 5 rebounds; Smart posted 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. For the Grizzlies, Popp had 12 points and 5 assists, Jackson scored 15 points with 4 rebounds, Randall put up 16 points and 5 boards, Covington recorded 13 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Morant struggled, shooting 3 of 14 for 8 points and 7 assists.

In the first quarter, Morant delivered several excellent passes, and Jackson hit a three-pointer from outside, sparking an 8-2 run for the Grizzlies. Ayton, Reeves, and Doncic attacked the basket in succession, helping the Lakers close the gap. Jackson responded with a three-pointer, but the Lakers kept scoring from beyond the arc. With Doncic’s three-pointer and Reeves’ and-one play, the Lakers took a 31-27 lead over the Grizzlies by the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Grizzlies went on a 5-0 run to retake the lead, but Knecht quickly answered back with a three-pointer. The Lakers then launched a counterattack, extending their lead. As the deficit was about to reach double digits, Aldama hit a long-range shot to ignite the Grizzlies’ comeback. This 14-4 run not only put the Grizzlies ahead but forced the Lakers to call a timeout. After the break, the Lakers’ offense still struggled, and Williams, Conchar, and Popp combined on an 8-0 run that stopped the Lakers again. The Grizzlies kept attacking fiercely, leading 69-55 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Doncic and Reeves hit consecutive three-pointers to stop the bleeding, and the Lakers went on a 15-5 run to cut the deficit. After the timeout, Doncic nailed several more threes from outside, tying the game. He then assisted Hayes on a dunk, giving the Lakers the lead once again. At a crucial moment, Spencer’s three-pointer saved the Grizzlies. Near the end of the quarter, both teams used tactical plays to draw fouls and get free throws. Doncic got fouled hard while fighting for a rebound and bled from his mouth. Randall threw down an alley-oop dunk, and Conchar hit another three-pointer, putting the Grizzlies ahead 91-89 over the Lakers.

In the final quarter, Reeves scored a mid-range jumper to tie the game, then the Lakers went on a 7-0 run to take the lead. Randall made free throws to stop the bleeding, but the Grizzlies’ overall offense remained ineffective. Morant’s poor performance was likely one reason for their trailing position. With Hachimura hitting a three-pointer, the Grizzlies had to call a timeout. After the break, Doncic hit a three-pointer, pushing the Lakers’ lead back into double digits. Following the timeout, the game was essentially decided, and the Lakers eventually secured a 117-112 victory over the Grizzlies.

Starting lineups for both teams:

Grizzlies starters: Popp, Jackson, Randall, Wells, Morant

Lakers starters: Smart, Hachimura, Ayton, Doncic, Reeves