LeBron James scored 30 points in the first half alone as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 133-89 on Thursday night to progress to the NBA In-Season Tournament championship.
In the inaugural NBA Cup match on Saturday night, the Lakers will take against the surprising Indiana Pacers. Indiana defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 128-119 to go to the other semifinal. Unlike the other games in the tournament, the title game will not be factored into the regular season rankings.
James asserted that the Lakers’ route to the NBA Finals serves as evidence of their potential. He was particularly pleased with the Lakers’ defense, which held the Hornets to 35.8% shooting, and their 59-42 rebounding lead.
James claims that the team is starting to realize how crucial consistency is to winning basketball games. We have to defend every single night, of course, and we’re finally starting to sense the pressure. When we defend, we improve our chances of winning every single night.
Austin Reaves scored 17 points, Anthony Davis scored 16, and Taurean Prince pulled down 15 rebounds for the Lakers.
Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with a total of 14 points. Zion Williamson scored thirteen points, while Herbert Jones scored ten.
After his team’s quarterfinal game, Pelicans coach Willie Green said, “But tonight was a total letdown.” We were all disappointed by our lack of competitiveness as we fell short against the Lakers. It’s difficult to ignore their efforts. They won out in the end. That being said, tonight was a mistake.
With one quarter played, the Saints led 30-29. But James scored the Lakers’ first 11 points in the second quarter, giving them a 40-33 advantage.
James then made three consecutive 3-pointers. The final two, inspired by the league and tournament logos, electrified the pro-Lakers fans. The superstar, who is almost 39 years old, was charged with three crimes.
Reaves said, “It sends a message when your best player puts his body on the line and takes three charges in the first half—particularly when Zion is crashing the paint.” “It demonstrates to all other players how committed he is to winning this game—and all games.”
By the half, James had scored 21 points on 7 of 9 shots. He should have had enough of energy to play the championship game against the Pacers, who are renowned for their aggressive style of play, after going to the bench in the middle of the third.
Davis stated, “They’re not old.” The creatures are fierce. They set off and follow the guidelines. Without a doubt, it will test our defense.
Los Angeles has won three straight and four of their last five games. Because of their focus, aggressiveness, and lack of selfishness, the Lakers have been “damn near unstoppable” throughout this current run, according to Coach Darvin Ham.
It’s wonderful to see something so early, Ham said. I think the intense competition demonstrates that this isn’t your typical home game. It doesn’t seem that way to me. If nothing else, the stakes are far higher, and it’s in those vulnerable times that people reveal their true selves.