LeBron James was instrumental in securing the LA Lakers victory over Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, winning the game in overtime 124 – 116.
Fresh from his 1-game suspension stemming from the accident with Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart, LeBron James came out big to help the Lakers secure the win against the Pacers last night. The game did not start well for LA, Indiana taking the lead in the first quarter and adding an extra point to their surplus in the second. The Lakers went to the locker room with a 6-point deficit, but overall good performance on the court.
This was made apparent once the second half of the game began – strong defensive efforts from both sides, but the Lakers managed to erase 4 points from the Pacers lead in the 3rd quarter, making for a really combative final 10 minutes. LeBron James truly shone in the fourth, stepping up to the leadership role required from a basketball player of his caliber. James underlined pre-game that he “was eager to return” from his suspension, and there was no lie in his statement. Scoring 9 points in the final quarter to force overtime, LeBron then added another 8 in OT to ensure LA’s victory and to bring his tally up to season-high 39 points, with 5 rebounds and 6 assists.
Even without Anthony Davis, who is listed as day-to-day due to illness, the Lakers had enough tools in the box to grab the “W”. Powerful performance by LeBron was complimented by another good shift by Russell Westbrook. The Lakers guard scored 20 points and added 7 rebounds and 5 assists against the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Wednesday night. Malik Monk went for 17 points and Carmelo Anthony and Wayne Ellington netted 14 points each. The Pacers, obviously, were no slouch last night. Malcolm Brogdon led the scoring for Indiana with 28 points and forward Domantas Sabonis recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 assists.
The win against the Pacers saw LA climb up to number 9 in the Western with a 10-10 record. Next, the Lakers are traveling home for Thanksgiving, where they will welcome neighboring Kings on Friday night.
