Memphis Grizzlies: 3 keys to beating the Lakers

No. 1: Lock down Kyle Kuzma

In their last matchup against each other, the Grizzlies did a phenomenal job locking down Rookie of the Year candidate Kyle Kuzma.

He had his worst shooting performance of the year after he only scored nine points on a horrendous 4-24 shooting (1-11 from downtown). This horrible outing in large part was due to Jarell Martin’s good, physical defense.

In the last 10 games, he’s only had three games where he’s shot over 50 percent. However, this stat shouldn’t shift defenders away from him.

This season, he’s averaging 16.7 points on 46.3 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent from 3-point land. In addition, he has 14 games where he’s scored 20 or more points – three being over 30.

JaMychal Green will play a huge role here as the primary defender on Kuzma. He was successful guarding Cousins and Jokic last week, and he should keep the same mentality with Kuzma. He must use his physicality – without fouling – to force him into difficult shot attempts.

If he gets going, this team would become hard to stop. They have a variety of offensive weapons, and Kuzma might be their most deadly scorer. If the Grizzlies can’t contain him, it’s going to be a hard afternoon for them.