Yes, Morant’s record-breaking third quarter, triple-double highlight is the Grizzlies’ win over the Lakers

The first and second halves between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers were drastically different. Both teams shot under 40% and neither reached 50 in a first-half slugfest.

Suddenly, Ja Morant broke out with a record-breaking third quarter, and Jaren Jackson Jr. threw in a left-handed putback full extension dunk that sent the FedExForum crowd into an uproar.

The Grizzlies used the second-half momentum to defeat the Lakers 121-109 on Tuesday night.

Memphis (37-23) was led by Morant’s 39 points despite missing all five of his 3-point attempts. He added 10 rebounds and 10 assists to record a triple-double.

The Lakers (29-33) had several turnovers that allowed Memphis to play their preferred fast style, and the Grizzlies benefited with 33 transition points.

Here are some takeaways from the game.

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY:How former Grizzlies first-round pick Ziaire Williams is handling the NBA G-League effort

PRE-MATCH OUTFIT:Dillon Brooks comes to the Grizzlies-Lakers game in a look inspired by Stone Cold Steve Austin

Missing Impact players

The Lakers and Grizzlies both lacked impact starters, and the difference was noticeable. Without Steven Adams, Memphis got a double-double from Xavier Tillman Sr., but Jarred Vanderbilt and Anthony Davis were active and aggressive as rebounders. Without LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell, Dillon Brooks guarded Dennis Schroder and limited his scoring.

It must be the shoes

Morant struggled to score in the first half. He shot 3 for 14 and had six points. After wearing his “Midnight” Ja 1 sneakers in the first half, Morant switched to Ja 1 “Scratch” Player Exclusives for the second half. The all-star point guard followed the shoe change by finishing with the highest-scoring quarter in franchise history. Morant scored 28 points on 10-for-12 shooting in the third quarter.

Morant’s outburst in the third quarter was part of a large framework by the Grizzlies. Memphis scored 47 points in the third quarter after 46 total points in the first half.

The story goes on

completion of the work

Much has been written about the Grizzlies’ recent struggles to finish games. A little over a month ago, the stretch in question began after a late game against the Lakers. Memphis took care of business on Tuesday. Morant kept his foot on the pedal in the fourth quarter, and the Grizzlies’ defense communicated at a high level while forcing turnovers.

What’s next

The Grizzlies have a quick turnaround and travel to Houston for a game against the Rockets (7 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast). Memphis will be favorites against a young Rockets team, but Houston has plenty of young offensive firepower and can have a hot night any day. The Rockets will also be back-to-back on the second night.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Yes Morant’s Record-Breaking Quarter Leads Memphis Grizzlies vs. Lakers