Three years later, the Los Angeles Lakers once again advance to the Western Conference semifinals. They beat the Memphis Grizzlies (125-85) in Game 6 of the series, which was what they needed (4-2) to move on. They won thanks to an effective offense and an unwavering defense.
Next stop, Western Conference Semifinals. pic.twitter.com/cuRdgebxSi
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 29, 2023
Many might assume that LeBron James was the star of the game, but that was not the case. That award goes to Anthony Davis. The Brow was spectacular on the court: he scored 16 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, in addition to five blocks (24 blocks in the whole series). He was unstoppable. LeBron James' performance was somewhat weaker than what we are used to seeing. The franchise star finished the game with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Both were well supported by D'Angelo Russell, who was the top scorer with 31 points.
The Grizzlies did not have a good day. Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jared Jackson Jr. couldn’t hold off the Lakers. Spanish center Santi Aldama was the leading scorer for the Tennessee franchise with 16 points.
Jayson Tatum, a nightmare for the Hawks
Boston Celtics was a clear favorite to advance from the round and did not disappoint. Despite losing in the third and fifth games of their series against the Atlanta Hawks (4-2), they managed to win their sixth game (120-128), putting them in the NBA’s top 10 teams this season. Now, they will head to the Eastern Conference semifinals against the only undefeated team in these playoffs, Philadelphia 76ers.
ROUND ONE ✅ pic.twitter.com/0LsVbtfYtt
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 28, 2023
Jayson Tatum was the man of the match. The Celtics forward was brilliant both on defense and offense, posting a double-double (30 points and 14 rebounds) and assisting seven times. The Celtics can’t help but miss him when he’s not on the court. His "comrade in arms," Jaylen Brown, scored 32 points, with a high percentage of success from the three-point line (75%, six baskets out of eight attempts). Dominican center Al Horford had his best game of the first round of the playoffs. He scored 10 points and snatched 12 rebounds.
The Atlanta Hawks should be proud of their playoff run. Their opponent started as a clear favorite and they stood up to the challenge. In the last game, Trae Young was once again his team's best player: the forward scored 30 points and dished out 10 assists. Dejounte Murray (14 points and 11 assists) and Clint Capela (10 points and 10 rebounds) finished the game with a double-double. However, it still wasn’t enough to lead to a seventh game.
Kings will go to Game 7 against Warriors
There is only series that will go into seven games in the first round of the playoffs. The Sacramento Kings stormed Golden State Warriors' home court (99-118) to tie the series (3-3). After being down in the first quarter, the Kings came back and won the game from their rivals with grit and determination. Both teams will fight to move on this Sunday at the Golden 1 Center.
The #BeamTeam in Game 6 ⤵️
👑 Three players with Double-Doubles (Fox, Lyles, Murray)
👑 Forced 19 turnovers
👑 Went 21 of 25 from the line
👑 Held GSW to 31.3% 3PT and 37.6% FG%LIGHT THE BEAM 🔦🟣@PhoongLawCorp | #FeelTheRoar pic.twitter.com/y9WxwaAoG5
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) April 29, 2023
De'Aaron Fox was the player best of the game. The Kings point guard led his teammates and posted a double-double (26 points and 11 assists). Malik Monk played a crucial role even though he started from the bench. He was his team's top scorer (28 points). Forward Keegan Murray scored 15 points and had 12 rebounds. Domantas Sabonis had a harder time in the zone.
Against the odds, the Warriors lost on their home court. The highlight of the game was Stephen Curry, who scored 29 points and dished out five assists. Klay Thompson was not his usual self (22 points and no assists). A nice battle is on the horizon this Sunday at the Golden 1 Center.
The updated Playoff bracket 🍿
The Lakers advance and will face the winner of GSW/SAC Game 7.
See more in the Playoff Hub ⤵️https://t.co/MndHjxCujI pic.twitter.com/ztsvWhSUIR
— NBA (@NBA) April 29, 2023
