On April 17, the NBA playoff playoffs began, with the Lakers taking on the Pelicans. The Lakers were in average shape after the start of the game, so they fell behind in the first quarter, but they played an offensive climax in the second quarter to overtake the score in one fell swoop, and opened up a 10-point gap at halftime. In the second half, the Lakers continued to widen the difference, and although they were tied in the final quarter, they still won 110-106. Russell played well in this game, he played 36 minutes, shot 7-of-14, 5-of-11 3-pointers, scored 21 points and 6 assists, and had a team-high plus/minus of +16, which was the key to the team's victory.
The Lakers lineup for this game was unchanged, and several main players started the game. After the start, the best state on the Lakers' side was Russell, who first made two free throws and came back to provide assists. Russell began to explode on the offensive end, hitting two three-pointers in a row, and the Lakers took the lead. However, then the Lakers' offense and defense declined, and they were about to be stretched apart, but at this time, Russell stepped up, made a mid-range shot, and hit a three-pointer, and the difference returned to 3 points. Throughout the first quarter of the game, it was Russell who led the team to hold on.
In the second quarter, Russell continued to output and hit a solid shot. The Lakers also began to wake up, and a wave of waves opened up the difference, leading by 10 points at halftime. Russell had 15 points and six assists in the half, both of which were team-highs.
Russell's offensive efficiency dropped a bit in the second half, but aggressive defense and playmaking also helped the team. Russell had a great moment in the final quarter, when the Lakers led by just one point at 101-100 in the final minute of the game. At this time, Russell stepped up, and he made a decisive three-point shot in the bottom corner of the left side, and hit it steadily, which was really big and killed the game.
Russell played well in this game, and he finished with 21 points and 6 assists. Russell has been in good shape since he came up, especially in the first half, which can be described as an offensive and passing, scoring and assists are the highest in the team. There was also a key three-pointer in the final quarter, and he was a big contributor to the team's victory.
Russell has been steadily output this season, averaging 18 points and 6.3 assists per game, and shooting 41.5% from 3-point range, which is an important firepower point for the Lakers. It's true that Russell can be in a slump at times, but he's still a reliable backcourt for the Lakers. The Lakers have stumbled in the regular season this season, but the playoffs are different, and the team needs to bring out 120% energy in order to go far. Russell is the key man and the team needs him to perform better.