Could we have dreamed of a better matchup for the NBA’s first-ever play-in tournament?
LeBron James and Steph Curry aren’t just some of the greatest players in basketball, they’re also fierce competitors with a long history of playoff battles.
So when they were set to face off in Wednesday’s play-in tournament, everybody knew it was going to be must-watch tv.
After a hard-fought game, it was the Lakers who came out on top, beating the Dubs to secure the 7th seed and lock in a first-round matchup against Phoenix.
WHAT. A. GAME.
The Lakers beat the Warriors in a thriller to clinch the seventh seed 💪 pic.twitter.com/yHwIosSzn3
— ESPN (@espn) May 20, 2021
In the end, it was a shot by LeBron James that sealed the victory.
KING JAMES WINS IT FOR THE LAKERS… propelling them to the #NBAPlayoffs!@Lakers will be the West #7 seed in the #NBAPlayoffs and face #2 PHX in the First Round (Game 1 Sunday, 3:30pm/et on ABC) pic.twitter.com/x2llcbk7ZX
— NBA (@NBA) May 20, 2021
James finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists on the night, while Davis scored 25 points and 12 rebounds in 42 minutes.
Curry also had an excellent night, scoring 37 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
It was the expected outcome, as the defending Champs seem to have more to work with. Still, the reaction from fans on Twitter was interesting to watch, and it seems there is a growing belief that the Lakers might be on the verge of another deep playoff run.
How Steph facetiming KD after the Lakers beat the Warriors pic.twitter.com/THzGWwUR4o
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) May 20, 2021
Lakers in 1st half vs Lakers in 2nd half pic.twitter.com/JVeIRTJW3I
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) May 20, 2021
LAKERS WINNNNNNNNNNNN pic.twitter.com/F8szjDTrjK
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) May 20, 2021
And what will this LA Lakers team have left in the tank for Phoenix?
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) May 20, 2021
THAT.WAS.INTENSE… LAKERS WIN.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) May 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/KylersBook/status/1395238347732242433
Well, that was fun. Lakers win 103-100. L.A. will open the playoffs on the road in Phoenix on Sunday as the No. 7 seed against the No. 2-seeded Suns. Take a bow, NBA. That play-in game won't soon be forgotten.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 20, 2021
Steph Curry looking at LeBron James after the Lakers and the Warriors game: pic.twitter.com/OKE9FxDJy6
— In My Mind (@MeAloneInMyMind) May 20, 2021
Lakers fans after avoiding a classic night of slander from NBA Twitter pic.twitter.com/E1XFpC8Q7U
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) May 20, 2021
LeBron just told Steph that he’s got a great real estate agent in Brentwood whenever he’s ready to win some championships again. 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
— nick wright (@getnickwright) May 20, 2021
With Anthony Davis and LeBron James clearly not yet at 100%, these next few days of rest will be key in helping them prepare for the long postseason stretch.
As for the Warriors, they still have a chance to make the playoffs. Despite their loss, they can make the 8th seed with a victory against San Antonio on Thursday.
Needless to say, there’s a lot to look forward to over the next few weeks and months.
