In an intense and unpredictable Game 4 on Monday night, the Los Angeles Lakers managed to secure victory in overtime against the Memphis Grizzlies. This win in the opening round of the playoff series gave the Lakers a 3-1 lead, leaving the Grizzlies one loss away from elimination. The Lakers haven't advanced beyond the first round since their 2020 championship victory in the COVID-19 bubble.
The Lakers gained momentum in overtime, starting with a 5-2 run and taking a three-point lead after Anthony Davis tipped in a missed shot. When the Lakers stopped the Grizzlies' advance, LeBron James drove to the basket and scored a layup while being fouled by Dillon Brooks, extending the Lakers' lead to five with 28 seconds remaining. Another defensive stop sealed a six-point victory for the Lakers.
James led the Lakers with 22 points, 20 rebounds, and 7 assists, making him the first Lakers player to achieve at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a playoff game since Shaquille O'Neal in 2004. The Lakers' overtime success was set up by a dramatic finish in regulation time.
Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. blocked Rui Hachimura's shot, sparking a fast break led by Ja Morant, who passed to Desmond Bane for a layup. This gave Memphis a two-point lead with only 6.1 seconds left. However, James responded with a layup of his own, tying the game and forcing overtime.
The Lakers initially seemed to have the game under control, establishing a 14-point lead in the second quarter. However, the Grizzlies rallied just before halftime, closing the gap to two points with a 14-1 run that included a Bane three-pointer. The Grizzlies kept the pressure on throughout the third quarter, with Morant scoring a buzzer-beating dunk to give them a two-point lead.
The Lakers' offense struggled, with Davis managing just two points by halftime. Jarred Vanderbilt was their top scorer for much of the third quarter. However, D'Angelo Russell's three consecutive three-pointers in the fourth quarter kept the Lakers in the game and set the stage for the thrilling finish in overtime.
Bane led the Grizzlies with 36 points and 7 rebounds, while Morant contributed 19 points and 7 assists. Jackson finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Austin Reaves was the Lakers' top scorer with 23 points, followed by Russell with 17 points and Vanderbilt with 15. Despite his slow start, Davis finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Q&A Section
Question: Who led the Lakers in scoring during Game 4 against the Grizzlies?
Answer: Austin Reaves led the Lakers in scoring with 23 points.
Question: How did LeBron James perform in Game 4 against the Grizzlies?
Answer: LeBron James had 22 points, 20 rebounds, and 7 assists in the game.
