“It’s a teachable moment for all the young basketball players out there,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “They just think it’s all about making 3s and dunking on people. Whatever.&…
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies moved the basketball swiftly down the court in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Lakers, pushing the pace during one of many frenetic sequences Sunday. Jarred Vanderbilt lagged behind. The Lakers’ small forward had a different assignment.
Instead of chasing after the ball, Vanderbilt’s job was to cling to Grizzlies guard Ja Morant like lint. It wasn’t as if Vanderbilt turned his back on the game in order to focus solely on Morant, the Grizzlies’ best player and their leading scorer with an average of 26.2 points during the regular season. Vanderbilt did keep an eye on what was happening around him, but his focus remained on Morant.If Morant didn’t have the ball, then Vanderbilt guarded him tightly.
“It’s a testament to him,” Ham said of Vanderbilt, “and it’s a teachable moment for all the young basketball players out there. They just think it’s all about making 3s and dunking on people. Whatever. If you’re able to lock in defensively, rebound, really embrace that role, there will always be a place for you on a high-level basketball team and in a high-level league such as the NBA.
“So, his ability to just lock in and be selfless, take the tough matchups, diving on the floor, doing the dirty work, setting screens, going to the second and third actions when he’s involved, it’s great. It’s invaluable, and I’m just happy we have an asset like that on our roster.”
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Jarred Kelenic teases fantasy baseball owners again with eight-game tearJarred Kelenic’s career, to this point, feels a bit like “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” as the hype for the Mariners’ outfielder never led to MLB results.
Leer más »
Lakers vs. Grizzlies: Scouts break down what to expect in playoff seriesLeBron James, Ja Morant and Anthony Davis headline the Lakers-Grizzlies playoff series, but other players will have key roles. Here's what NBA scouts say.
Leer más »
LeBron James tells Lakers: Just ‘go out and hoop’ vs. GrizzliesAfter 82 regular-season games and one more in the play-in tournament, the Lakers aren’t about to overthink where they’ve been or how they got to the playoffs
Leer más »
LeBron, Lakers back in playoffs against Ja Morant, GrizzliesLeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are back in the NBA postseason, and the league's all-time leading scorer couldn't be more ready.
Leer más »
LeBron James has simple message to Lakers before facing Grizzlies in first roundThe Lakers enter their playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies confident and on a roll. LeBron James says, 'Don’t change much from what we’ve done.'
Leer más »
Lamar Odom Says Lakers, If Healthy, Will Win Title & Tristan Can HelpLamar Odom believes the Lakers will win an NBA title IF LeBron and the squad can stay healthy, and Tristan Thompson can '100%' play a role.
Leer más »