Luke Kennard‘s health status could be a key element in the Grizzlies’ aim to win their series against the Lakers after trailing 3-1. Kennard injured his left shoulder in the second half of Game 5, but he provided an optimistic update after Memphis’ win, according to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Game 6 is scheduled for Friday night.
“I just got a stinger out there,” Kennard said. “Getting it looked at (Thursday), trying to find out a little more, but it’s all good right now.”
With Dillon Brooks struggling with his shot and the Lakers sagging off him, Kennard has provided a better offensive option, Joe Vardon of The Athletic notes. He’s shooting 50 percent on three-pointers and 52 percent overall in this series.
“Luke is one of the best shooters in the league,” Ja Morant said. “Obviously that opens up a lot of space on the floor and we just play off that.”
We have more on the Grizzlies:
- Desmond Bane racked up 33 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in Game 5 and made a de facto guarantee that the Grizzlies will win Game 6 on the Lakers’ home floor, Tim MacMahon of ESPN relays. “We got to come with the right edge and the right road mentality, but I said it out there and I’ll say it again,” Bane said. “We’re going to be back for a Game 7 in front of the best fans in the NBA.”
- While there’s no indication he’ll be replaced if the team flops in the first round, coach Taylor Jenkins is under pressure to show he can be successful in the postseason. Cole and Mark Giannotto of the Commercial Appeal examine that topic.
- In a subscriber-only story, Chris Herrinigton of the Daily Memphian examines how the Game 5 victory could propel Memphis the rest of the series, including the fact that Morant and Bane are hot offensively at the same time.
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