The Lakers were able to win Game 4 to make it a 3-1 series lead against the Grizzlies. Here are the three heroes who led their effort.
The Lakers beat the Grizzlies, 117-111 in an overtime classic. The Lakers seemed to have stumbled late in the game but D’Angelo Russell’s 3-pointers kept L.A in the game and LeBron James was able to make clutch shots to force overtime. He and the rest of the Lakers were able to control overtime on their way to a game-four victory.
Three reasons the Lakers were able to win Game 4:
LeBron James
LeBron had a horrible shooting night. This is the only negative to mention of his performance tonight. On the positive side, he was able to get 20 points and 20 rebounds. This wasn’t one of his best playoff games of all time due to the rough shooting but this was a really good all-around for him.
Anthony Davis disappeared at times and LeBron James was able to be the star he is for the entire game. He made clutch shot after clutch shot on the way to the victory. He had the bucket that sent the game to overtime and could have forced no OT if I had a couple more seconds on the clock to get a full-court heave.
Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves had a very nice night from the floor. He continues to have a very good series as he had 23 points on 43 percent shooting. The Lakers were missing some offensive options in this game for parts of it, but Reaves was not one they were missing. His consistency in this series has been amazing.
Jarred Vanderbilt
D’Angelo Russell’s big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter were dramatic and important but he struggled early. Vanderbilt was quieter but more consistent.
To start the game, the Grizzlies were leaving him open (as they have for most of the series) from 3and he made them pay. The Lakers struggled offensively in the beginning parts of this game and Vanderbilt was able to make up for the lack of offense from the rest of the team.
The Lakers were very sloppy in this game but they were still able to get the victory. With the series being 3-1, it really does seem like the Lakers will advance to the second round of the playoffs. The Lakers still have to take care of the Grizzlies one more time but eyes are ahead to a potential Kings/Warriors battle.
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