LeBron James tied the game with a layup 0.8 seconds from regulation time before scoring four of his 22 points in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers opened a 3-1 lead in their first-team series. Monday’s turn in the playoffs with a 117-111 win. on the Memphis Grizzlies.
James, 38, also recorded a playoff career-high 20 rebounds and added seven assists and two blocks, with just one turnover in his 270th postseason game, which extended his own NBA record. He became the first Lakers player to have 20 points and 20 rebounds in a playoff game since Shaquille O’Neal in 2004.
Austin Reaves scored 23 points and Anthony Davis added five of his 17 in overtime for the Lakers, who sit seventh and have won back-to-back home victories to move to the brink of their first playoff win since 2012 outside of the Florida bubble.
Los Angeles rallied from a seven-point deficit with five minutes left in regulation with a streak that started with a bang with three straight 3-pointers from D’Angelo Russell. The Lakers stayed on their feet throughout overtime.
“I’m very proud of our guys, the way they fought,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “We found a way.”
Game 5 is Wednesday in Memphis.
Desmond Bane scored 36 points and broke the tie with a layup with 6.7 seconds left in regulation time for the Grizzlies, who qualified second for the playoffs but will have to rally from a 3-1 deficit and win Game 7 for the first time in franchise history if they are to advance to the next round.