Hours after the Los Angeles Lakers had the opportunity to make relatively quick work of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, they now find themselves in an extended series that could become more of a dogfight.
They dropped Game 5 by the score of 116-99, despite having a window of opportunity in the third quarter to take control of the contest and put Ja Morant and company away for the summer.
Now L.A. has given the Grizzlies life and confidence, and it will take more effort and energy to advance to the second round. However, if it takes care of these three areas, Game 6 may not be too strenuous.