“LeBron James leads Lakers to dominant victory in Western Conference semi-finals while Warriors pushed to decisive seventh game”

LeBron James’ Lakers qualified for the Western Conference semi-finals by beating the Grizzlies (125-85), unlike the Warriors defeated at home by the Kings (118-99) and pushed to a decisive seventh game on Friday in the NBA playoffs.

The atmosphere of the great evenings reigned within the Crypto.com Arena, in the presence of an audience of stars including actor Jack Nicholson, an inveterate fan of the Lakers whom we had not seen “courtside” for a long time and whom James did not fail to greet with a warm hug before the match.

“LBJ,” who also “checked” his former – and future? – Teammate Kyrie Irving, then guided his team to an unchallenged victory. Very skilful and author of 22 points (9/13 in shots, 6 assists), he kept his word, he who had not spared himself after the previous match, believing he had been “zero” and promising to pull himself together.

Anthony Davis for his part was still ultra-dominant inside (16 pts, 14 rebounds), determined not to let anything pass like his five counterattacks including the impressive one inflicted on Santi Aldama in the third quarter, while D’Angelo Russell made the Grizzlies drink the chalice to the dregs by scoring 14 of his 31 points to give more of the gap to the score.

– Show of strength –

To say that there was never any suspense in this sixth game is an understatement, because LA finished with a 40-point lead, taking advantage of the Grizzlies’ discomfiture, boasters at the start of the series and very dumb this time, limited to a starving 30% shooting success, Ja Morant not being able to do better than 10 points (at 3/16).

This scenario was not necessarily expected, because the defending champion thought he had done the hardest part by winning 48 hours earlier with the Kings. Despite this successful break in this very close duel, the Warriors were very far from finishing it and the doubt of switching to their camp.

Steve Kerr’s men have the experience and talent to have the last laugh, but they will have to show another face first, as they have appeared borrowed if not listless in defense and rebounding, despite what was at stake. A recurring problem all season.

Opposite, the Kings played with the bit in their teeth, providing a collective response at all times on both sides of the floor. Symbol of their success: the contribution of substitutes, authors of 52 points, Malik Monk being the most prolific (28 pts).

– Fox, elusive eel –

As for DeAaron Fox, despite a fracture at the end of the index finger of the left hand, the one with which he shoots, he was still an elusive eel for the helpless rearguard of the Warriors, strong of a remarkable address (26 pts, 10/18 on shots, 11 assists).

“We always believed in ourselves. We didn’t come here thinking that our season would be over tonight. We knew we could score a lot of points against any team and that defensively we had to do better”, he reacted.

All without Domantas Sabonis bringing much water to the mill (7 pts, 11 rebounds), weighed down by six faults worth an early exclusion. In addition, the Lithuanian pivot received an involuntary nudge under the left eye of Kevon Looney before the break.

Never entered this match on the right foot, Golden State was clumsy in attack, paying as much for the opposing deterrent efforts as for risky choices, like Jordan Poole hardly inspired (7 pts at 2/11 on shots).

Despite sporadic flashes from Stephen Curry (29 pts) and Klay Thompson (22 pts), the Warriors evolved in a thick fog, jostled in aggressiveness. A reaction of pride is essential Sunday in Sacramento, because hangs in their face a big disappointment.