The exciting NBA Playoffs continued with the Western Conference semifinal pairings almost set as the Los Angeles Lakers avoided a potentially tricky game 7 against the Memphis Grizzlies by getting it done in 6 games.
Lakers send Grizzlies packing from NBA Playoffs
The Lakers stopped the Memphis Grizzlies’ rally attempt in this series cold Friday night, smashing them 125-85 in Game 6 and advancing. D’Angelo Russell enjoyed the best playoff game of his career and dominated Ja Morant. James recovered nicely from one of his worst playoff games from the Game 5 loss.
“We have to be the best versions of ourselves when we prepare to step into round 2,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said.
Los Angeles became the sixth team in NBA history to win a 2-7 series as the seventh seed, and the first since the San Antonio Spurs in 2010. The only No. 7 seed to advance to a conference finals is the Seattle Supersonics in 1987.
This was the Grizzlies’ third-worst margin of defeat this season and their worst playoff loss in franchise history. They twice lost by 41 points during the regular season.
Golden State vs Sacramento Kings on a knife-edge
The Lakers will get some rest and await the winner of Sacramento–Golden State. Game 1 of Los Angeles’ Western Conference semifinal will be Tuesday.
The Kings forced a Game 7 with a 118-99 win in San Francisco Friday night, tying the series vs. the Warriors at 3-3 with the final game to be played in Sacramento.
After trailing 25-23 after the first period, the Kings took control of the game in the next quarter. They went into halftime up 58-51 and led the rest of the way.
De’Aaron Fox had 26 points and 11 assists while Malik Monk led the team with 28.
For the Warriors, Stephen Curry had 28 points, while Klay Thompson chipped in with 22.
