The Los Angeles Lakers made it a close against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 5, and they even had a chance to close out the series.
Then, the Grizzlies completely took over with an impressive run to put the game away in the fourth quarter.
Notably, the run may have been sparked by a questionable decision by Lakers coach Darvin Ham.
Ham subbed Anthony Davis out while trailing by just one point in the third quarter and didn’t put him back in the game until the lead was insurmountable.
Yikes: Darvin Ham subbed out Anthony Davis when they were down 1 in the 3rd… the Grizzlies completely took over the game at that point.
🙇🏻♂️🙇🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/EXxs1fmnXz
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 27, 2023
Needless to say, the fans weren’t too happy with the move, taking to Twitter to put the coach on blast for that decision.
I said it out loud “What is Ham doing” just made a big run get it to 1 “hey let’s sub AD out” next two possessions Reaves takes 2 bad shots Memphis scores easily the next 4-5 possessions with AD out.. Horrible time to Sub.. Build on the run sit AD beginning of the 4th
— Chris Brooks II (@CoachChrisIGMBB) April 27, 2023
And elects to put 38 year old 6’9 lebron at center rather than use the 7 foot stretch backup we traded for
— trevor (@TrevorPeets) April 27, 2023
Grizzlies took over because Lebron looked old and got clamped by Dillon Brooks.
— Sketchy (@Sketchy72) April 27, 2023
AD Is the best defensive player on that team. Of course they took over.
— Desde El Logo (@DesdelLogo) April 27, 2023
Gabriel gets minutes over Bamba btw
— DTG (@NotDGoody) April 27, 2023
Ham has tried to stagger Davis and LeBron James so they have at least one superstar on the court at all times, but maybe having 38-year-old LeBron playing center wasn’t the wisest choice.
Davis was always supposed to be the team’s alpha dog and step up in this kind of scenario, so he should be on the floor even if he’s tired.
The talented big man has already indicated that he’s ready to be on the court for as many minutes as the team needs him in Game 6.
That’s good because the Lakers cannot afford this series to go on much longer, especially considering it would head back to Memphis for a potential Game 7.
The Lakers could’ve completed the sweep or at least finished them out in Game 5 with a better effort.
Now, the purple and gold will try to get the job done in front of their home fans in Game 6.
NEXT:
Lakers Fans Are Getting Payback Against Rival Fans
