Morant and Bane explode as Memphis Grizzlies beat Los Angeles Lakers to force Game 6

Desmond Bane scored 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Ja Morant contributed 31 points and 10 rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 116-99 to avoid going out of the Western Conference first round.

The NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr, led the Grizzlies with 18 points and 10 rebounds as they moved to 5-0 in home Game 5s and reduced the seventh-seeded Lakers' series advantage to 3-2. 

Memphis posted the NBA's best home record (35-6) to earn a second consecutive No. 2 seed.

LeBron James had a modest night after playing 45 minutes in Monday night's overtime victory in Los Angeles and becoming the oldest player in NBA history to record at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in his 270th playoff game. 

James started 1 of 7 from the field but finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

With 31 points and 19 rebounds, Anthony Davis was the Lakers' top scorer. D'Angelo Russell scored 11 points, and Austin Reaves scored 17. 

Following a layup that brought the Lakers within 106-91 with 6:01 remaining, Davis remained on the field for a little period of time. As soon as he stood up, Davis grabbed his back down the court.

In an effort to gain momentum, the Lakers went on a 20-7 run in the fourth. They were only able to go as close as 12, Davis' putback with 2:52 remaining being the closest. 

With around 90 seconds left, Memphis came back with eight straight, prompting the shout "Whoop That Trick" from the crowd.

The first-round NBA playoff series will continue with a sixth game on Friday night in Los Angeles after Memphis defeated the Lakers on its home court in Game 5. 

The Grizzlies may host Game 7 on Sunday if the Lakers are unable to complete the series.

The Lakers were unable to stop Desmond Bane in Game 4, as he maintained his hot form. 

Ja Morant, the player the Lakers were unable to contain in Game 3, attacked them and yelled at them for being "too small."

James, who Monday saved the Lakers at the end of regulation and in overtime, was unable to capitalize on his first opportunity to knock out the Grizzlies.

James exited after making just five of his seventeen attempts, including just one of his nine three-point attempts. He committed five turnovers in 37 minutes and pledged to play better in Game 6.