LeBron James once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most clutch players in NBA history, even at the age of 39, during the Lakers’ 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Facing a tenacious Pelicans team, LeBron delivered back-to-back three-pointers in the closing minutes of the game, sealing a fifth straight win for the Lakers. Reflecting on his late-game heroics, LeBron summed it up succinctly:
“Just living in the moment. Being able to still make plays and make big shots at this point in my career, that’s what you live for, and you’ll never be able to get those moments back when you’re done.”
The first of LeBron’s two clutch threes came with under two minutes remaining. With the Lakers trailing 97-96, The King found himself in a catch-and-shoot situation and calmly sank a three-pointer to give the Lakers the lead.
BRON 3 FOR THE LEAD. 👑
Lakers lead by 1 with under 2 to play on NBA League Pass!
📲 https://t.co/AVqiJtpJB3 pic.twitter.com/4qgqb1cLkd
— NBA (@NBA) November 17, 2024
Moments later, with the clock ticking down and the Pelicans scrambling to mount a comeback, LeBron executed a pick-and-roll play, rising for another three-pointer that extended the lead to 101-97.
🔥 LEBRON JAMES 🔥
Back-to-back triples in the clutch 🥶 pic.twitter.com/zY5aNjyQ4B
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 17, 2024
As the ball swished through the net, he punctuated the moment with his iconic “Silencer” celebration, stomping his feet in triumph. These late-game shots not only showcased his enduring skill but also highlighted his unflinching confidence in high-pressure situations.
LeBron’s performance was part of a broader team effort on a night when the Lakers struggled to find their rhythm early on. With injuries sidelining key players like Rui Hachimura and Cam Reddish, the Lakers relied heavily on rookie forward Dalton Knecht, which impressed James.
Knecht delivered a career-high 27 points, providing much-needed scoring and energy, especially during a third-quarter rally that erased a 15-point deficit. Anthony Davis, continuing his MVP-caliber season, led the way with 31 points and 14 rebounds, dominating the paint against a depleted Pelicans roster.
Despite the win, the Lakers faced challenges throughout the game. The Pelicans, missing stars like Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, capitalized on the Lakers’ sluggish start, building an early lead with their relentless effort on the offensive glass. The Pelicans grabbed 18 offensive rebounds, translating into 24 second-chance points. The Lakers eventually adjusted, with Max Christie’s pivotal offensive rebound late in the game-sealing an extra possession that helped them secure the victory.
Coach JJ Redick praised the team’s resilience, noting that games like these require effort and toughness. LeBron echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in grinding out tough wins.
The victory moved the Lakers to a 9-4 record, keeping them firmly in the playoff mix and showcasing their ability to close out games against determined opponents. With LeBron still delivering in clutch moments and Davis anchoring the team, the Lakers appear poised for a deep run this season, provided they maintain their momentum and bench contributions continue to grow.
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