Led by LeBron James and an immense Anthony Davis, the Lakers lifted the very first NBA Cup on Saturday in Las Vegas. LA beat the Indiana Pacers 123-109 in the final.
Already a four-time NBA champion (2012, 2013, 2016 and 2020), four-time regular season MVP and Olympic champion in 2008 and 2012, LeBron James has further expanded his immense record at almost 39 years old (on December 30). For his 21st NBA season, the basketball superstar will have been essential to his team from the start to the end of this new tournament, created to energize the long regular season.
Saturday in Las Vegas, LeBron James compiled 24 points and 11 rebounds. But the final, played against the young and electric Pacers of leader Tyrese Haliburton, was disappointing, chopped up by mistakes and blunders on both sides, after the NBA Cup had offered some magnificent encounters in recent days.
In a T-mobile Arena totally committed to their cause, the Lakers nevertheless managed a superb defensive performance, against the best attack in the league. They notably stifled Tyrese Haliburton (23 years old): with 20 points and 11 assists, he seemed caught up by the pressure of a final.
The Lakers imposed their rhythm on the game, playing on their strength in the low post with their pivot Anthony Davis, imperial with 41 points and 20 rebounds. The Angelinos largely dominated the rebound (70 to 43), and were able to count on an excellent Austin Reaves (28 points) in the first half.
A nice check, and confidence
In addition to pleasing boss LeBron James and each pocketing $500,000, the Lakers made their mark in a decisive match and finished undefeated in the competition (7 victories). Enough to look forward to the future play-offs with a little more serenity, after being beaten in the Western Conference final in the spring by Denver.
The NBA offered the NBA Cup for the first time, the Final-4 of which was played on neutral ground in Las Vegas on Thursday (half) and Saturday. All matches, except the final, count towards the regular season.
/ATS
2023-12-10 05:30:29
#LeBron #James #Lakers #win #brand #trophy
