The need to unleash Ja Morant against Lakers on Sunday

The Memphis Grizzlies have one more chance to salvage their miniseries with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. It will also be the third and final encounter of the year, and so far, the Purple and Gold are up 2-0. Luke Dončić has done whatever he’s wanted, averaging 39 points, nine rebounds and seven assists on those nights

It behooves the Grizzlies to end their losing streak (3) because they only have a three-game lead over the Dallas Mavericks for the last Play-In spot, and they need to keep morale high.

Here is what you need to know.

More ball movement, action from the starters and finding the weaknesses

It’s great when Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. put up big stat lines and thrive in the lane, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the starters can disappear. That was part of the problem against the Los Angeles Lakers as the remaining three starters made 20.8 percent of attempts, and only one of them made 3-pointers (2). Keep in mind that the main rotation usually averages just below seven 3-point makes per game.

Additionally, they can do a little better than 18 fastbreak points against the Lakers’ weak defense, and they can exploit Deandre Ayton when he is low for open shots. They managed to move the ball well to attack mismatches, specifically Jackson against Jake LaRavia four times on Friday, so they’ll need to replicate that formula.

Even if Jackson doesn’t stay below three first-half fouls, Jock Landale and Santi Aldama need to remain assertive, rolling to the hoop and slipping screens for open shots.

Sharper help defense

The Grizzlies had the right idea on Friday to get the ball out of Luka Dončić’s hands, but they have to rotate faster before it reaches the open man. Notably, the Lakers are a better 3-point shooting team at home, making 36.4 percent of attempts.

On top of that, Morant should get a chunk of minutes guarding Marcus Smart. He can’t allow him to maneuver into the lane or let him hoist off the catch so easily.

Unleash Morant

Morant was on his most accurate three-game stretch of the season before he made only 39 percent on Friday. He needs to get back to his old self of being a better finisher at close range, and he can start Sunday by attacking their weak screen roll coverage.

Furthermore, he’s only broken past 20 points in seven of his 18 appearances this year. The Grizzlies are a much better team when he’s looking to score. Sure, his passing has been very good, averaging a 2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio, but sometimes the best play for Morant is one for himself.