Opinion
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Memphis Grizzlies Eye Redemption Against Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum

As the Memphis Grizzlies prepare to host the Los Angeles Lakers, fans are eager for what promises to be an electrifying encounter. The Grizzlies, coming off a string of challenging games, are looking to assert their dominance on their home court at FedExForum.


LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 5: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 5, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

In their recent matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 17th, the Grizzlies fell short by just six points in a high-scoring game that ended 118-112. Despite this loss, there were positive takeaways for MEM. They showcased an impressive three-point shooting performance, hitting 41 percent from beyond the arc and distributing a total of 34 assists. Their ability to share the ball and find open shooters will be crucial against LAL's defense.


The bench production has been a concern for MEM lately. In comparison with OKC's bench who contributed 28 points, MEM's reserves managed only 27 points. This narrow margin could have been decisive in such a close contest where every point counted.


LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 5:  Marcus Smart #36 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball during the game  on January 5, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Defense remains another area of focus for MEM as they allowed OKC to shoot an efficient 64 percent from two-point range and gave up 44 points in the paint. The upcoming game against LAL will test their defensive adjustments and resilience under pressure.


On March 14th against Charlotte Hornets, turnovers were detrimental for MEM as they committed a staggering number of them leading to Charlotte capitalizing with 31 points off turnovers which contributed significantly to their loss by twelve points (110-98). Learning from these mistakes is essential if they want to keep pace with LAL's dynamic offense.


LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 05: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts as he is stripped of the ball by Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on January 05, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

However, it wasn't all gloom for Memphis; there was light in their victory over Washington Wizards on March 13th where they led wire-to-wire and secured a comfortable win with a scoreline of 109-97. Dominating inside was key as they scored an overwhelming majority of their baskets in the paint (66 out of total team score) and outrebounded WAS significantly with fifty rebounds including seventeen offensive boards leading to twenty-three second-chance points.


The upcoming clash presents an opportunity for redemption as well as showcasing improvements made since these past performances. It will require tightening up defensively especially around the rim while maintaining offensive efficiency that has seen them put up competitive numbers even in losses.


Grizzlies fans can catch this anticipated matchup live on BSSE or SportsNet LA when these two teams face off at FedExForum on March 27th at precisely seven o'clock Central Time Zone (CT).

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