Lakers’ LeBron James delivers timeless takeover performance in crucial fourth quarter to beat Rockets

Lakers’ LeBron James delivers timeless takeover performance in crucial fourth quarter to beat Rockets

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Even in Year 21, LeBron James has proven that he’s still capable of completely taking over a game in the fourth quarter.

James showed few signs of age and looked as determined as ever as he led the Lakers to a win over the Rockets on Sunday.

Houston led at halftime, but Los Angeles came out strong in the third quarter and led by six entering the fourth quarter. The Rockets countered the punch, cutting the deficit to two points with five minutes remaining, but James would not let the Lakers drop a point at home.

LeBron had played 35 minutes at this point and seemed to be taking things to another level that he shouldn’t be at at 38 years old.

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He scored or assisted on 14 of the Lakers’ final 15 points, including the game-winning free throw with 1.2 seconds left that sealed the victory. Here’s how James used a classic performance to beat Houston.

LeBron James delivers timeless takeover performance in Lakers win over Rockets

With 5 minutes and 08 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Rockets wing Dillon Brooks hit a three-pointer to reduce the Lakers’ lead to 2 points. From that point on, James made it his mission to end the game.

James immediately hit a quick two-pointer, Brooks hit another three-pointer, and James also countered with a three-pointer, extending Los Angeles’ lead to four points.

Every time the Rockets struck back, James seemed to find more gas in the tank. He’s explosive enough to get to the rim with ease and draw fouls. He didn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact, scoring the go-ahead layup with 1:21 left on an easy layup off an assist from Austin Reaves.

When Alperen Sengun’s layup immediately tied the game, this young Houston team wouldn’t go away, but, as he has done time and time again, James showed that when he makes the difference in these moments At times, he can be just as dangerous as a playmaker.

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LeBron got the ball at the top of the key with less than 30 seconds left in the game and 10 seconds left on the shot clock, and the Rockets sent out a double team to force someone else into the game.

James quickly made the right, selfless call and passed the ball to Reeves, who hit a three-pointer to give the Lakers the lead.

Sengun eventually tied the game at 104 on a dominating James layup, but the 19-time All-Star made sure the 21-year-old couldn’t beat him.

The Lakers pushed the ball forward after a timeout and passed the ball to James with four seconds left. James immediately lowered his head, dribbled at Brooks, broke all the way to the basket, drew a foul, and walked to the free throw line.

With 1.2 seconds left in the game, James stepped to the line and hit the game-winning free throw after missing his first free throw.

For those keeping score at home, here’s how the Lakers scored the final 15 points of the fourth quarter:

  • lebron forward
  • lebron forward
  • LeBron 3PT
  • lebron financial times
  • lebron forward
  • Reeves 3 points (LeBron AST)
  • Reeves Financial Times
  • lebron financial times

James scored an eye-popping 37 points, eight assists, six rebounds and three steals in 40 minutes of playing time.

The 38-year-old James continues to challenge the Father of Time in the 21st grade. This classic takeover performance against the Rockets was another reminder that he’s not down yet.

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