NBA In-Season Tournament: Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Phoenix Suns behind LeBron James to advance to the semi-finals
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 106-103 in a thrilling game that saw LeBron James score 31 points. The victory sent the Lakers to the NBA’s first-ever In-Season Tournament semifinals.
James, 38, scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to help the Lakers stave off a second-half comeback led by Kevin Durant.
The victory sets up a Thursday matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
“I’ve been there a lot in my career and I understand the assignment,” stated James.
“I was happy I was able to make a couple of plays.”
Before James’ heroics in the fourth quarter, the Suns were back in the game thanks to Durant’s 31 points overall. The Lakers had controlled the first half, leading 59-47 at the intermission.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was instrumental in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 146-122 thrashing of the New York Knicks in the other quarterfinal on Tuesday.
With his 35 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds, Antetokounmpo, 29, led the Bucks to victory. This set up a matchup with the Indiana Pacers in the other semi-final on Thursday.
After the game, Antetokounmpo celebrated his collaboration with teammate Damian Lillard, who finished with 28 points.
Antetokounmpo stated, “Game by game, we are getting more comfortable.”
We’ll grow more at ease with one another as we play more minutes. Ultimately, I believe that he and I are establishing the tone for the entire squad.”
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