It was a big first night this Wednesday for Tuomas Iisalo. The former Paris Basketball coachwho left this summer for the NBA, led his first game on the bench for the Memphis Grizzlies against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Named last July among Memphis’ eight assistant coaches for his first experience across the Atlantic, the 42-year-old Finn took advantage of the unfortunate absence of head coach Taylor Jenkins, unavailable due to a death in his family, to take a place on the bench. Tuomas Iisalo was chosen by his franchise among all the other assistants despite his meager experience (8 games as an assistant).
And for great success. The Grizzlies dominated the Los Angeles Lakers (131-114). Tuomas Iisalo nevertheless had to compose without Ja Morant (20 points, 5 assists)during the entire fourth quarter, out for hamstring discomfort, and facing a LeBron James of great evenings (39 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists), his best game since the start of his 22nd season in NBA at 39 years old. The “King” this Wednesday became the 6th player in history to reach the mark of 1,500 regular season games, 21 years and 9 days after the first.