The Los Angeles Lakers dominated Game 6 of their first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies, winning 125-85.
This has sent them to Round 2 of the NBA playoffs. LeBron James led the charge with 22 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. He also made history by winning the 40th playoff series of his career, tying Derek Fisher for the most all-time. James was determined to bounce back after struggling in Game 5, and he delivered with a dominant first-half performance. LeBron made seven of his first eight shots, including a two-handed reverse dunk in transition.
The Lakers’ offense shot an impressive 53.8% from the field, while their defense held Memphis to just 30.2%. Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell also had a standout game, scoring a game-high 31 points on 12-for-17 shooting. Russel also set a new career playoff high in scoring with the performance.
The victory was a long time coming for the Lakers, who completed their first home win to close out a playoff series since 2012. The win was particularly sweet for Anthony Davis, who has struggled with injuries. Davis finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks.
The Lakers became the first No. 7 seed to pull off an opening-round upset since the San Antonio Spurs in 2010 and just the sixth team ever to accomplish the feat. They now await the winner of Game 7 between the Kings and Warriors to find out their second-round opponent.
The victory was also a bit of redemption for James, who confronted Dillon Brooks on the court before Game 3 in L.A. after Brooks called him “old” following the Lakers’ Game 2 loss in Memphis. A source within earshot of the conversation told ESPN James’ message to Brooks was, in essence, “Are you ready for what’s coming for you tonight?”
