On March 24, Beijing time, the NBA regular season 76ers against the Lakers. Throughout the game, Westbrook played 33 minutes, shooting 10 of 20 shots, 2 of 5 three-pointers, 2 of 5 from the free throw line, contributing 24 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 1 steal, regrettably failing to save the host. After the game, he confessed that the showdown with the Pelicans would be a must-win game!
In this game, Westbrook and Harden met, the two are still chasing the championship dream, after a short season of cooperation in the city, the last two seasons, both have changed two teams. Wei Shao first joined the Wizards and was traded to the Lakers last offseason. Harden was traded to the Nets and left the team halfway this year to join the 76ers.
In the first half of the game, the two competed to play iron. Harden played 19 minutes, shooting 2-of-10 and 0-of-3 from three-point range, with 5 points and 4 assists. Westbrook had four points and four assists on 2-of-8 shooting and five turnovers.
Back in the second half, Harden took the lead in resurrection, scoring 16 points in the third quarter, but in the final moments of the third quarter, he was knocked off the knee. In the fourth quarter, Wei Shao also broke out, 5 of 6 in a single quarter, got 12 points, 3 boards, 3 assists and 1 break, and did not make mistakes.
However, the Lakers ultimately fell short, after losing this game, the Lakers ranked ninth in the West with 31 wins and 42 losses, only 0.5 wins ahead of the Pelicans, 2 wins ahead of the Spurs, and the Spurs completed 2 consecutive wins, catching up with the momentum fiercely.
Next Monday, the Lakers will face the Pelicans head-on, this game with the 76ers, James because of a sore knee, in fact, is to prepare for the showdown with the Pelicans. Because, that way, James can take 5 days off in a row.
Speaking about the showdown after the game, Westbrook also said, "For us, it will be a game full of playoff atmosphere, and I believe that this is also a game that we must win." His remarks actually explained the reason for James' suspension, and if the Pelicans win, the Lakers have a great hope of locking up the playoff qualification.