The Los Angeles Lakers’ frontcourt duo of Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura dominated the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night, much like they did in last year’s first round playoff matchup. Davis ended with 19 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and six blocks, while Hachimura added 23 points off the bench, making all four of his 3-point attempts in the Lakers’ 27-point victory in the NBA’s In-Season Tournament’s second game.

It was the first game between these two teams since the Lakers won that series, and the outcome was the same on this night. It had added significance because it was an In-Season Tournament game, and the Lakers are now 2-0 in that as well.

LeBron James has mentioned the increased intensity in these games, and Davis agrees, noting that there is a bit more drive for the Lakers in these games.

“$500 [thousand] sounds really appealing. “It’ll bring that juice,” Davis predicted. “No, I just think it’s obviously the In-Season Tournament, but you know for us, we just try to get better every game you know for ourselves.” It’s always a special feeling, whether it’s from when we played in Phoenix and their home crowd got into it. So it was more like a playoff game, yet it was an In-Season Tournament, even at home.

“But I guess it’s just the incentive of winning the trophy.” But I think guys are, I heard one of our players, I’m not gonna name who, but he was like, ‘Man, we defeated Phoenix. That brings me one step closer to the $500 [thousand] I’ve never had before. So that’s an added incentive. But it’s been a lot of fun. I mean, just the jerseys tonight and the court, it’s been awesome.”

Hachimura agreed, saying the NBA has done a good job of separating these games and enhancing the intensity.

“Without a doubt. “I can feel it,” said the Lakers forward. “I believe the NBA did a good job of changing the jerseys and the courts.” Because we had a prize, it made me feel a little different than other games. We win a decent prize. Do we get to play in Vegas? And I think it’ll be very excellent. I believe that changing things up a little bit will keep us motivated throughout the season.”

Given Hachimura’s playoff success last season, it stands to reason that his greatest game this year will come in a game with larger stakes. He’s established himself to be a big-game player, and tonight was more proof of that.

Many questioned if this In-Season Tournament would work to boost enthusiasm during these early games, but it appears to be working for the players, and the Lakers are intent on bringing home the inaugural trophy.

Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers did not sense any extra drive while playing Jaren Jackson Jr.

It was no coincidence that Davis’ spectacular defensive effort came against Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr., the defending Defensive Player of the Year. Davis limited Jackson to eight points on three-of-16 shooting and had six blocks. Davis, on the other hand, says there was no further motivation.

“I’m playing the same way,” Davis said following the Lakers’ victory. “It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, he got it last year, let me try to,’ you know, show him up or anything.” I’m just going to compete. Protect the rim, instruct my teammates to compete on the ball, and funnel everyone towards me; I’ll handle the rest.

“So I just go out there and play hard on both ends of the floor.” But especially on defense, knowing that I’m an anchor and have to protect all of the guys.”