Basketball
LeBron James has triple-double to help Lakers beat Grizzlies, 136-124
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — LeBron James had a triple-double with 23 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists, Rui Hachimura scored 32 points as the Los Angeles Lakers built a big lead in the third quarter and beat the Memphis Grizzlies 136-124 on Wednesday night.
Coming off a 128-124 double-overtime victory in Milwaukee without James on Tuesday night, the Lakers won their fifth straight to pull within 2 1/2 games of idle Dallas for the sixth spot in the Western Conference, a spot that would avoid a play-in game.
Anthony Davis sat out against Memphis after having 34 points and 23 rebounds in a career-high 52 minutes against Milwaukee. He hyperextended his left knee late against the Bucks. James said Hachimura’s scoring — including 7 of 8 3-pointers — along with grabbing 10 rebounds was a key with Davis sitting out.
“Rui’s ability to shoot and spread the floor was big time for us,” James said. “He just stayed locked in all night.”
D’Angelo Russell added 23 points for Los Angeles, and Taurean Prince had 15.
Desmond Bane led Memphis with 26 points and a career-high 16 assists. Jake LaRavia scored 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, and Jaren Jackson added 17. The Grizzlies have lost six of seven.
The Lakers would maintain the double-digit lead through the bulk of the fourth.
“Priority was the paint,” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said of Hachimura’s shooting. “Obviously, he was the beneficiary of some great ball movement. We adjusted late, but probably a little late on my part.”
The Grizzlies, limping to the finish after a season filled with injuries, got an emotional boost with the return of Brandon Clarke. The 6-foot-8 forward had not played since March 5, 2023 healing from a left Achilles injury. He finished with six points in almost 21 minutes.
As soon as Clarke got off the bench to enter the game in the first quarter, the Memphis fans began applauding his anticipated appearance. The recognition continued until a standing ovation when he was announced entering the game.
“I’m glad to get that first game over with,” Clarke said, acknowledging he still has work on his stamina. “I’ve been thinking about it for a very long time. I wish we could have won, but it was fun to play.”
The Lakers play down the stretch of the season is reminiscent of their run to make the playoffs last season. They finished the season 9-2 and made the play-in game where they defeated Minnesota before dispatching the Grizzlies in six games.
-
Premier League2 months ago
Chelsea fans praise one player for ‘babysitting Cucurella’ in Newcastle win
-
News2 months ago
Real Madrid 1-0 Sevilla: Player ratings as Luka Modric earns vital win
-
Transfer News2 months ago
Chelsea told they’ll have ‘no option but to sell’ £87m star to Arsenal due to FFP issues
-
News2 months ago
The De Zerbi quote that will have Chelsea fans TERRIFIED
-
News2 months ago
Real Madrid ‘reach verbal agreement’ to sign Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich
-
News2 months ago
Mohamed Salah’s furious reaction to Moises Caicedo spotted during Liverpool Carabao Cup win
-
Boxing1 month ago
Fans fear the worst for Jake Paul after Mike Tyson’s frightening social media update
-
Boxing2 months ago
Devastating Anthony Joshua Wipes Out Francis Ngannou in Two Rounds