(Los Angeles) LeBron James’ Lakers surprised Sunday in Memphis, winning the first game of the NBA playoff series against the Grizzlies (112-128).
The Los Angeles franchise, which had to go through the play-offs to qualify for the playoffs, was able to count on its superstar, James (21 pts, 11 rbds, 5 assists) and Anthony Davis (22 pts) to win and make it clear that they had to be counted on, despite their status as the No.7 seed.
LeBron James, 38, who is in his sixteenth postseason, became the oldest player in history to score at least 20 points, take 10 rebounds and distribute 5 assists in a playoff game.
The one who became this year, the best scorer in the history of the NBA, also distinguished himself on an authoritarian counter against Desmond Bane (3 total blocks on the game).
Anthony Davis, who injured his right arm after contact with Jaren Jackson Jr, returned to the locker room 1:15 from halftime but eventually returned after the break. The Lakers were able to rely in particular on his 12 rebounds and 7 blocks.
Austin Reaves also scored 23 points, Rui Hachimura added 29 off the bench.
On the Grizzlies side, Ja Morant was limited to 18 points, but Jaren Jackson Jr made up for it perfectly by scoring 31 points.
Insufficient for Memphis who hopes to be able to count on Morant, who came out injured at the end of the game, for match 2, Wednesday, still in Memphis.
NBA Day continues Sunday with the Milwaukee Bucks, the league’s best-record franchise this season, hosting the Miami Heat and Kevin Durant and Devin Booker’s Phoenix Suns hosting the LA Clippers.
Finally, the Minnesota Timberwolves of Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert will have a hard time facing the Denver Nuggets of double MVP Nikola Jokic.
