With their first-round NBA playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves tied 1-1, the Los Angeles Lakers are going to need star forward LeBron James at his best.
James was off his game in L.A.’s 117-95 Game 1 defeat, scoring 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. He redeemed himself in Game 2—a 94-85 Lakers’ win—with a 21-point, 11-rebound, seven-assist performance.
But James caught fire in Game 3 on Friday.
Through the first two quarters, the 40-year-old 21-time All-Star logged a game-high 22 points along with six rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. And while his first-half performance was impressive, it was also history-making, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Tonight is the 100th time LeBron James has had a 20-point half in a playoff game,” McMenamin wrote. “It’s his 290th career playoff game – the most in NBA history. He’s never missed a playoff game since he first made the postseason with Cleveland in 2006.
James’ breakout performance was desperately needed with star point guard Luka Doncic not at 100% while playing under the weather. Lisa Salters reported during the ESPN broadcast that he was playing with a stomach bug.
Doncic had just eight points, five assists, and two rebounds through the first two quarters after averaging 34 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists through the Lakers; first two postseason games.
