Desmond Bane Makes Bold Declaration After Grizzlies Game 5 Win Over Lakers

• Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane has vowed to return to FedExForum for a Game 7 against the Los Angeles Lakers
• Bane made that promise after the Grizzlies staved off elimination by beating the Lakers in Game 5
• They will need to win Game 6 in Los Angeles, a place they've struggled to perform in the series

Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane has made another promise after his team beat the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 to stave off elimination from the 2023 NBA playoffs.

They crushed the Lakers 116-99 behind Bane's game-high 33 points ahead of another win-or-go-home game in Los Angeles on Friday.

The Grizzlies have been the most talkative team in the NBA this season. Dillon Brooks has had run-ins with many NBA players, while Ja Morant said no team scares him in the Western Conference. Brooks has grabbed the headlines for the last few weeks after trolling Lakers veteran LeBron James.

LeBron James breaks down entire Grizzlies line-up ahead of playoff matchup with Lakers

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Their cocky style has earned them many admirers and critics. They haven't lost the series yet and will need to beat the Lakers twice to advance. Therefore, backing up their talk is going to need incredible performances on the court.

In Game 5, Bane was great. He finished with 33 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out five assists, while his backcourt partner Morant finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Bane set a new playoff career high in Game 4 with 36 points, per the Athletic.

Meanwhile, Brooks is not having a good series. He is shooting 30.3% from the floor and 21.6%.

The Grizzlies also held LeBron James to just 15 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, shooting 5-of-17 overall and 1-of-9 from 3-point range in Game 5

Dillon Brooks wants to knock LeBron James out of the NBA playoffs

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Bane makes bold prediction

Two days ago, Bane promised the Grizzlies would stave off elimination. They delivered. he issued another declaration after winning Game 5, per ESPN.

"We got to come with the right edge and the right road mentality, but I said it out there and I'll say it again," Bane said. "We're going to be back for a Game 7 in front of the best fans in the NBA."

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins criticized his players last week for lacking maturity. Morant said he'll have to be a leader if they need to win Game 6.

"Me being a leader and being ready for this pedestal everybody got me on."

James ignores Brooks' jibes

Sports Brief earlier reported on James dismissing Brooks' jabs after the Lakers' 103-93 defeat in Game 2.

The Grizzlies swingman called LeBron old and said he would only respect him if he scored 40 points on him.

James disregarded comments, possibly the most hated player in the NBA, responding he was ready to play.