Jaren Jackson Jr. blocked Rui Hachimua with ten seconds left. LeBron James didn't let him stop his game-tying attempt.
LEBRON JAMES CLUTCH.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 25, 2023
pic.twitter.com/6yRpoxG7PF
James drove and threw his layup high off the glass to avoid Jackson, the NBA's leading shot-blocker this season, to tie up Game 4 of the Lakers-Grizzlies series with 0.8 remaining. On the previous possession, James passed off to Hachimura, but Jackson met him at the rim for a block and a fast break.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is the DPOY for a reason pic.twitter.com/poVx3Qtonn
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 25, 2023
In a game featuring a number of collisions, charge calls and rejections at the rim, Ja Morant's big play was to avoid shot blockers with a behind-the-back pass. Jackson had five blocks in regulation, while Anthony Davis had four. Davis only scored six points in regulation, in part due to the stifling, crowded paint.
James also drew two charges when Morant tried to jump over him far from the hoop.
VIDEO:
— 3030 (@jose3030) April 25, 2023
Ja Morant attempts to jump over LeBron James (LeBron draws the charge) pic.twitter.com/G1QekkoQr9
Overall, James might have driven the Lakers to the precipice of the second round with his play. 20 years into his career, some things never change.
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