2023-12-08 16:16:22
New format, new tournament but LeBron James is still there. The Lakers superstar was imperious in the semi-final of the “in-season tournament” to allow the Lakers to dominate the New Orleans Pelicans (133-89) and reach the final. They will challenge the Indiana Pacers this Saturday.
At almost 39 years old (December 30), the “King”, author of 30 points and 8 assists, 9 out of 12 shooting (4 out of 4 from distance, 8 out of 8 on free throws) was everywhere on the floor of Las Vegas tonight. “I wanted to share in this match, to make the right choices for my teammates,” he said.
LeBron James is ON FIRE, knocking down 3-straight triples in the 2Q ????
14 PTS, 5/6 FGM, 3/3 3PM midway through 2 ????
???? Pelicans/Lakers on TNT
???? Winner faces Pacers in Championship in Las Vegas on Saturday pic.twitter.com/PSGSEhF15b— NBA (@NBA) December 8, 2023
The four-time NBA champion, top scorer in the history of the league, had warned from the start that he would see himself amassing a new trophy with this NBA Cup, created earlier this year to energize a soporific regular season.
“I will settle for one word: extraordinary,” said his coach Darvin Ham. It is he who sets the tone, from the start of the day, in meetings, when we go to the stadium, to apply the game plan, with his energy, his physical sacrifice on his charges. »
James faces Haliburton sensation
After a first phase in November which saw Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs quickly eliminated from the quarters on Monday and Tuesday, the final-4 of the tournament takes place from Thursday to Saturday, the day of the final, in Las Vegas. In the final, LeBron James will find the refreshing Indiana Pacers on his way, led by the sensation of the moment Tyrese Haliburton.
The Pacers dominated Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks (128-119) earlier Thursday, with 27 points and 15 assists for Haliburton, all without losing a single ball, a rarity for a leader with such responsibilities. He was well supported by pivot Myles Turner (26 points, 10 rebounds).
“Tyrese (Haliburton) is a player who transforms a team, with him on the field everything is possible,” praised his coach Rick Carlisle. It is therefore a real shock between two NBA stars which is looming.
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