Wahala don finish for regular season, and the Los Angeles Lakers don show say dem ready for playoffs. Dem hammer Utah Jazz 131-107 for Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, and that win don give dem the fourth seed for West. Na so dem go face Houston Rockets for first round.
From the beginning, Lakers no waste time. Dem lead 65-42 by halftime, and Jazz no fit catch up. Even though Denver Nuggets win over San Antonio Spurs to take third seed, Lakers hold their own ground. Dem finish season with 53 wins and 29 losses, and dem win their last three games straight.
But the celebration no complete, because injury don scatter plan. Luka Doncic dey for hamstring injury, and Austin Reaves dey for oblique problem. Both players no go fit start playoffs. Na LeBron James go carry the load for now. For the Jazz game, King James play just 17 minutes but score 18 points, grab 4 rebounds, and drop 6 assists. Him show say age na just number.
Other players join the party. Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton each score 22 points. Dalton Knecht fire from outside for 17 points, and Bronny James, the pikin wey dey learn work, add 11 points with three three-pointers. For Jazz side, Oscar Tshiebwe try well well with 29 points and 17 rebounds, but him effort no reach.
Coach JJ Redick talk say seeding no be him main concern. “We know say no matchup go easy,” him yarn. “Houston na strong team, but we go prepare and fight to win the series.” Redick commend players like Jake LaRavia wey play all 82 games this season, and Nick Smith Jr. wey just sign full contract to join playoff squad.
Marcus Smart, wey just return from ankle injury, play 26 minutes against Jazz. Him get 10 assists but him shooting no sharp yet. “My shots no fall today, but e go come,” Smart talk. “This week break before playoffs go help us heal better.” Him warn say Lakers need to stay strong under pressure against Rockets.
Playoff schedule don drop. Lakers go host Rockets for Game 1 on Saturday, April 18, by 5:30 p.m. PT for Crypto.com Arena. ABC go show the match. During regular season, Lakers win two of three games against Rockets, including two victories for March. But those wins come with Doncic and Reaves for court. This time, different ball game dey.
Houston Rockets finish season with 52-30 record. Kevin Durant lead dem with 26 points per game, and Alperen Sengun dey top for rebounds and assists. Dem no be pushover team. Lakers go need all hands on deck, especially if Doncic and Reaves delay to return.
As NBA Play-In Tournament dey start Tuesday to decide seventh and eighth seeds for East and West, Lakers don already secure their spot. Dem avoid that stress. Now, focus dey on Rockets. Fans dey wait see if LeBron James and the crew fit hold the fort until their stars return. The yarn just begin.
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