2013 First Round Series vs Los Angeles Lakers
Grit met Glory in a seven-game First Round classic that defined an era.
The First Round matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers stands as a defining moment in the franchise's transition into the 'Grit and Grind' era. While often associated with the early 2013 season timeline by fans, this specific playoff battle occurred during the April and May of 2012. It was a clash of styles: the physical, defensive identity of Memphis against the star power of Kobe Bryant's Lakers.
- Season
- 2011-12 Playoffs
- Series Result
- Lakers Won 4-3
- Memphis Seed
- 7th (Western Conference)
- Lakers Seed
- 6th (Western Conference)
- Key Grizzlies Star
- Zach Randolph / Marc Gasol
- Key Lakers Star
- Kobe Bryant
- Venue
- FedExForum & Staples Center
Lore & Background
This series is remembered less for the outcome and more for the statement it made. The Grizzlies, led by Marc Gasol's defensive presence and Zach Randolph's interior scoring, refused to back down against an aging but dangerous Lakers squad. Tony Allen's perimeter defense became a focal point, frustrating Los Angeles guards throughout the week. Despite losing in Game 7 at Staples Center, Memphis proved they could compete with the league's historic franchises.
In Their Own Story
The air inside FedExForum was thick with humidity and anticipation during Game 5. A loose ball bounced near the baseline, and two pairs of sneakers scrambled. Marc Gasol rose above the traffic, securing the rebound as the crowd erupted. He passed upcourt to Tony Allen, who sprinted past a defender, eyes locked on the rim. The roar was deafening, a testament to a city finally finding its basketball soul in the heat of battle.
Reader's Guide
The series turned on defensive intensity and rebounding battles. Memphis utilized their size advantage with Gasol anchoring the paint, while Randolph bullied opponents inside. Lakers relied heavily on Kobe Bryant's scoring outbursts to close games, but Memphis' physical defense wore them down over seven contests. The turning point was Game 6 in Los Angeles, where the Grizzlies kept it competitive despite the hostile environment. Emotionally, this series validated the 'Grit and Grind' philosophy. Even in defeat, the team showed resilience that would lead to a deeper playoff run the following year against Oklahoma City.
Did You Know?
- Tony Allen was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team during this season.
- Zach Randolph averaged over 20 points per game throughout the series.
- This was the first time the Grizzlies reached the playoffs since moving to Memphis in 2012.
- Kobe Bryant scored heavily in key moments but could not secure home-court victory.