LeBron James’ Lakers qualified for the Western Conference semi-finals by beating the Grizzlies (125-85), unlike the Warriors surprised at home by the Kings (118-99) and pushed to a decisive seventh game on Friday in the NBA playoffs.
The atmosphere of the great evenings reigned in the Crypto.com Arena, in the presence of an audience of stars including actor Jack Nicholson, whom we had not seen “courtside” for a long time and whom “LBJ” did not did not fail to salute before the match.
James, who also “checked” his former – and future? – teammate Kyrie Irving, then guided his team to an authoritative victory. Very skilful (22 pts at 9/13 in shots), he kept his word, he who had not spared himself after the previous match, believing he had been “zero” and promising to pull himself together.
Anthony Davis was ultra-dominant on the inside (16 pts, 14 rebounds), determined not to let anything pass like his five blocks, while D’Angelo Russell overwhelmed the Grizzlies in the third quarter, scoring 14 of his 31 points.
To say there was never any suspense is an understatement, as L.A. finished 40 units ahead, taking advantage of the Grizzlies’ discomfiture, boasters at the start of the series and very mute this time, Ja Morant being limited to 10 points (at 3/16).
“We played with the energy of desperation. But we are not satisfied, we still have a lot of work to do,” commented Davis.
His Lakers, who had not passed a first round since 2020, the year of their last coronation in the Orlando anti-Covid bubble, will benefit from two additional days of rest compared to their next opponents whom they do not know. again, since Sacramento, which was playing its survival, tied at 3-3 against Golden State.
A scenario not necessarily expected, because the defending champion thought he had done the hardest part by winning 48 hours earlier at the Kings. But the Warriors were very far from over and the doubt of switching to their camp, even if the men of Steve Kerr have the experience and the talent necessary to have the last word.
But they will have to show another face, as they have appeared borrowed if not apathetic in defence. A recurring problem this season.
Opposite, the Kings played with the bit in their teeth, providing a collective response at all times. Symbol of their success: the contribution of substitutes, authors of 52 points, Malik Monk having been the most prolific (28 pts).
As for De’Aaron Fox, despite a fracture at the end of the index finger of his left hand, he was still an elusive eel for the rearguard of the Warriors, with a remarkable address (26 pts, at 10/18 on shots, 11 assists).
“We have always believed in ourselves. We didn’t come here thinking our season would be over tonight. We knew that we can score a lot of points against any team and that defensively we had to do better, ”he reacted.
All without Domantas Sabonis really weighing (7 pts, 11 rebounds), weighed down by six faults worth an early exclusion. In addition, the Lithuanian pivot received an involuntary nudge, under the left eye, from Kevon Looney.
Never entered this match on the right foot, Golden State was also clumsy in attack, paying too many risky choices, like Jordan Poole hardly inspired (7 pts at 2/11 on shots).
“Jordan never quite matched up tonight, unfortunately. He failed to free himself. It’s a frustrating night for him, for all of us, including me. We always say we win together and we lose together, players and coaches. The Kings outclassed us, they deserved to win,” said coach Steve Kerr.
Despite sporadic flashes from Stephen Curry (29 pts), the Warriors were indeed jostled in aggressiveness. A reaction of pride is essential Sunday in Sacramento, because hangs in their face a big disappointment.