NBA
When is Lakers vs Grizzlies NBA Playoff Game 1? Date and time
The NBA playoffs are almost upon us and LeBron James and co. have lined themselves up a walk in Memphis.
From Play-in to Play-off. The LA Lakers had two bites of the cherry available to them but only needed the one... but by the skin of their teeth.
Lakers into NBA Playoffs via Play-in OT
In a game that could only be described as a nail-biter, LeBron James and the Lakers secured a Western Conference playoff spot by defeating the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime with a final score of 108-102. James, who seemed to be on fire, scored 30 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and assisted six times. Anthony Davis, meanwhile, contributed 24 points and 15 rebounds to the Lakers’ effort. Dennis Schroder also made his mark on the game, scoring 21 points for Los Angeles.
The Timberwolves, who played without Rudy Gobert due to a suspension, put up a valiant fight. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 24 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while Mike Conley made six 3-pointers, scoring a total of 23 points. Unfortunately, Anthony Edwards struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 3-of-17 from the field and scoring only nine points.
Despite the Timberwolves’ best efforts, the Lakers emerged victorious, securing the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. They will now face the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. The Timberwolves, however, will get another chance to make it to the playoffs when they host the New Orleans Pelicans or the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.
The game was full of twists and turns, with both teams fighting tooth and nail to emerge victorious. Schroder, in particular, was a standout player, sinking a crucial corner 3-pointer with just 1.4 seconds left in regulation to give the Lakers a 98-95 lead. However, with just 0.1 seconds left on the clock, Davis fouled Conley while the Minnesota guard was shooting a 3-pointer. Conley made the first free throw, but it was the second and third shots that really counted, as they tied the score at 98, sending the game into overtime.
In the extra session, Rui Hachumura opened with a 3-pointer, and Schroder followed up with a layup to put the Lakers up by five. Minnesota had a chance to tie the game, but Taurean Prince’s 3-point attempt bounced off the rim with just 12 seconds left. Schroder then sunk two free throws to make it 107-102, and the Lakers held on for the win.
Both teams had their fair share of turnovers, with the Timberwolves committing 24 and the Lakers giving the ball away 21 times. Nevertheless, it was the Lakers who ultimately prevailed, hitting 41.3 percent of their shots and 10 of 31 (32.3 percent) from behind the arc. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, made 43.4 percent of their field-goal attempts and were 16 of 41 (39 percent) from 3-point range.
The Lakers have taken a tough route but are now one step closer to the championship.
When is Lakers vs Grizzlies Game 1?
You’ll be wanting to clear your schedule for this Sunday, April 16, as Game 1 of this highly anticipated match-up goes down. Tip off is scheduled for 3pm ET with ABC one of your viewing options. We’ll update you on the rest of the details and how the other games in the series will be mapped out across the coming days shortly.