We wanted suspense and emotion, like in a real university or Euroleague Final Four, but the Lakers had decided otherwise! In the wake of a still perfect LeBron James, Darvin Ham's players made short work of the Pelicans (133-89), and they will challenge the Pacers in the final of the first NBA tournament.
From the first quarter, we understood that it would be a boxing match. With Cam Reddish at 3-points, the Lakers start with a 10-3, to which the Pelicans respond with a 14-5 thanks to a hyper active Zion Williamson. There is the search for the knockout, and the two teams go blow for blow at the end of the quarter. The Pelicans went in front (30-29).
LeBron above the fray at almost 39 years old!
And then LeBron gets angry! The Lakers winger scored 11 points in a row, including two 3-pointers from the logo! The Lakers regained control (40-33), and LeBron dominated the debates. He pushes young Dyson Daniels to get the foul, and little by little, the Pelicans crack. Especially since the 3-points are raining with D'Angelo Russell then Taurean Prince. At the break, the Lakers lead by 13 points (67-54).
The rest will be worse for the Pelicans! After returning from the locker room, the Davis-LeBron duo increased the gap to 20 points in two minutes (76-56). By the time Brandon Ingram's teammates are looking for a second wind, LeBron sends this same Davis to the alley-oop to give them a 30-point lead (93-63)! However, there are six minutes left to play in the 3rd quarter… But the lead no longer follows, and the Pelicans let go. At the end of the 3rd quarter, Austin Reaves increased the gap to +40 (109-69). Mass is said, and the Lakers rush to the final to meet the crazy attack of the Pacers, winners of the Bucks in the first semi-final. It will be Saturday night, and LeBron James will go for a new trophy.
What you must remember
– Jersey. We expected a black floor, since the NBA had asked the Lakers not to play in black for visual reasons. Finally, we discovered a blue and red parquet floor. In their classic outfit, LeBron James' teammates made short work of the Pelicans.
– Rest. Given the scenario of the match, Darvin Ham was able to rest his star players, and in particular LeBron James, who only played 23 minutes. Same playing time for Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura. Only Anthony Davis reaches 30 minutes.
– Ranking. Undefeated in the tournament, the Lakers have three wins in a row, and here they are, climbing to 4th place in the Western Conference with a largely positive record: 14 wins – 9 losses. Just in front of them, there are the Nuggets (14v-8d).
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
