Davis has been through heaven and hell.
The Los Angeles Lakers won 108-102 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2022-2023 NBA Play-In Tournament held at the Los Angeles Crypto.com Arena on the 12th (Korean time).
The Lakers, who were evaluated as having an absolute advantage in the sudden power leak of the opponent. But the road to victory was arduous. Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels were missing, but the Minnesota players’ will to win was strong. Minnesota, who showed a good shot, drove the Lakers to a 15-point lead in the third quarter.
The Lakers didn’t want to play a single bridge match. From the end of the 3rd quarter, a strong pursuit was developed. While Minnesota suffered a serious stagnation on offense, the tide turned to the Lakers. The Lakers also did not make good use of the opportunity that came. After a series of turnovers, it was difficult to tie the score with LeBron’s three-point shot.
After that, the Lakers, who could not easily lead, took the lead with Dennis Schroeder’s dramatic 3-point shot with 1.4 seconds left at the end of the 4th quarter. If he could hold on for 1.4 seconds, he could get a ticket to the playoffs.
However, in the process of attempting a 3-point shot by Mike Conley, who received an inbound pass, Anthony Davis’ fatal foul came out. Strong heart Conley made all three free throws, and Davis (24 points, 15 rebounds), who struggled to record a double-double that day, was in danger of becoming an opponent in an instant.
Fortunately for Davis, the Lakers breathed a sigh of relief as they won an extended bloody battle. It was a scene that could be traumatic because it was Davis, who had already provided an excuse for a come-from-behind defeat with a foul that gave away three free throws against Dallas on March 18. 안전놀이터
Anyway, it was a match where the result was more important than the content as the playoff team was hidden in a single match. The Lakers players, who confirmed their advance to the playoffs, celebrated their victory with smiles. Coach Davin Hamm also enjoyed the joy of embracing Schroeder and LeBron James.
LeBron, who was interviewed for victory, smiled when he saw Davies and joked, “It’s a pity that Anthony Davies went momentarily dazed and messed up Dennis Schroeder’s game-winning shot.” Davis then turned to the camera and expressed his apology.
Davis reflected, “I ruined Schroeder’s game-winning three-pointer. It was completely my fault. The momentary confusion at the end almost ruined the game.” The Lakers atmosphere was more like laughing and joking around rather than holding Davis accountable.
Davis’ match-up foul can be an important variable in the ensuing playoff stage. If anyone, not just Davis, makes a fatal mistake and loses, the aftermath can carry over into the next game. It is also a valuable vaccination for the Lakers.
The Lakers, who have overcome the hurdle, face Memphis in the first round of the playoffs, which have returned after two years. What will the Lakers show against Memphis, a young gun corps?