Aloha,
I wonder how many Laker fans turned off the game after the third quarter? I know i almost did. My frustration level after the 2nd and 3rd quarters had me toying with my remote. Then LeBron happened, like he has so many times in his career. He has shot the 3 at around 40% all year but he slipped into Steph Curry mode in the 4th nailing 5 3 pointers and it was magical.
It’s been a while since I have witnessed a NBA team melt down as Badly as the Clippers did in the 4th. And considering it was the Clippers it made it that much sweeter. There are like a 100 articles on Lebrons 4th quarter offense but it would have been for naught if it wasn’t for some of the best defense we have seen this team play in weeks. The first 7 minutes of the 4th had Cam, Hayes and Prince out there with LeBron and they did a fantastic job. Cam had missed the last 14 games and it was easy to forget that he has played some solid D this year. It’s definitely good to have him back for this stretch run. His length and quickness clearly bothered Harden. And as important as LeBron’s offense was, he played some of the best defense he has played this year. Even more impressive was the fact that it was against Kawhi in the 2nd half. Kawhi had no chance of making that last shot as LeBron had forced him nearly behind the plane of the board.
Lastly I have to give a shout out the Rui and DLO. In those last few minutes when the Clippers were throwing everyone at LeBron Rui made 2 critical shots and DLO hit the last 3 that sealed it. I think maybe Steph is the only guy in the league with a release as quick as DLO’s. The ball barely touched his hand.
Of course it won’t mean anything if we don’t win tonight. The Wizards are a bad team. But even bad NBA teams have some of the best players in the world and you have to respect them. We haven’t always done that this year and have lost. Hopefully we can channel this 4th quarter energy down the stretch. We are only a couple of games out of the 6th seed and like last year, every game must be played with playoff intensity. There is no margin for error.
Michael, thanks for the excellent recap. I was so furious at the Clippers blowing out my beloved Lakers that I turned the TV off and went to get some dog food for my German Shepherd. Normally, I don’t do that when the Lakers game is on. But, man, little did I know something miraculous would happen. When I returned, I tuned into Sportscenter only to find out the Lakers had won. That was an unbelievable turn of events. Man, this win feels good!!
Thanks Buba, I came close to turning the game off too😊
I turned it off when it got ugly, and went to work in the kitchen. Luckily I had my tablet nearby, open to ESPN. Turned the tube back on when it got close, just in time to hear the fat lady sing :). Old man LeBron strikes again!
“Turned the tube back on when it got close, just in time to hear the fat lady sing :). Old man LeBron strikes again!”.
Hahaha!!! John, that is funny as hell. Love how you it all together.