LeBron James recorded 22 points, a career-high 20 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 117-111 overtime win over the Memphis Grizzlies and secure a 3-1 series lead.
James is the first Lakers player to have a 20-point, 20-rebound game in the playoffs since Shaquille O’Neal in 2004. He’s also the oldest player to record 20 points and 20 rebounds in a regular season or postseason contest, according to SportsCenter.
“I’ve done some pretty cool things in my career,” James said postgame, courtesy of ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I’ve never had 20 and 20 before. So, that’s pretty cool, I guess.”
The Lakers came back from a seven-point deficit with five minutes remaining in regulation, spurred when point guard D’Angelo Russell hit three consecutive 3-pointers.
James scored four of his 22 points in the extra period, including a ferocious and-1 layup that sealed the victory for L.A.
“I felt like that play right there, I wouldn’t say, ‘closed the door,’ but it sealed it,” the Lakers star said. “There wasn’t much light at the end for the rest of the game. I was just letting the emotion come out.”
Five other Lakers scored in double figures. Austin Reaves led the team in scoring with 23 points, while Russell chipped in 17 points.
The Grizzlies shot just 9-of-42 from three (21.4%).
Memphis players Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks declined to talk to media postgame, according to The Daily Memphian’s Drew Hill.
Game 5 is set for Wednesday in Memphis. With a win, the Lakers would become the first 7-seed since the 2010 San Antonio Spurs to upset a No. 2 seed in the first round.
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