Western Conference Recaps, April 19: With Ja Morant Sidelined, Xavier Tillman Led Memphis Grizzlies Past Los Angeles Lakers

The Memphis Grizzlies didn’t let their superstar’s absence derail them.

With Ja Morant sidelined with a right hand injury, Xavier Tillman was the man for the Grizzlies. He recorded a career-high 22 points and 13 rebounds to lead them to a 103-93 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, tying the series at 1-1.

“Obviously, this is a big win for us," Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “You know, great performance from him (Tillman), other guys as well.”

Jaren Jackson, who won this year’s Defensive Player of The Year award, scored 18 points and blocked three shots. Desmond Bane had 17 points and Dillon Brooks 12.

Although he had five blocks, Anthony Davis struggled in this one, recording just 13 points on 28 percent shooting. But the other half of the duo, LeBron James, led the Lakers with 28 points and 12 rebounds.

Rui Hachimura scored 20 points off the bench, 11 in the third quarter. He became the first Laker reserve to have back-to-back 20-point games in the playoffs since Magic Johnson in 1996.

OTHER NOTES:

-Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to secure a 122-113 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, taking a 2-0 series lead. He finished with 40 points while hitting six 3-pointers. Nikola Jokic had 27 points and Michael Porter had 16.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 41 points and Rudy Gobert had 19.

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.