The Lakers narrowly defeated the Pelicans 110-106 on the road and officially embarked on the playoffs! The real hero of this game was none other than Russell, who not only played a key steal and three points in the final moments of the game, but also scored 21 points and seven assists. Speaking of which, James really has to thank him, because these 21 points and 7 assists are not ordinary statistics, this is a $37 million super value explosion!
Now let's talk about this game. At the beginning of the game, Russell was like a chicken, he shot four baskets in the first quarter, three of which were three-pointers, directly helping the Lakers narrow the gap with their opponents. Looking at his exciting performance, you think what happened to this guy today? Could it be that there is some secret material added to breakfast? No, this is Russell's strength and determination in the game.
Entering the second half, the Pelicans' Zion was like no one on the inside, scoring consecutive points, making it seem as if the Lakers were about to collapse. But with a few minutes left in the game, Russell stepped up. The Pelicans' Murphy helped the team tie the score in the penultimate minute, and the atmosphere in the game was breathlessly tense. At this time, James made an inadvertent pass error, the Pelicans made a successful steal, and the counterattack was imminent, and the hearts of the audience were in their throats. But at this critical juncture, Russell shrewdly cut off his opponent's pass as if he were foreseeing the future, completing a life-or-death steal. Immediately after, he received a pass from his teammates outside the three-point line and hit a key three-pointer steadily! This goal not only gave the Lakers the lead again, but also completely ignited the enthusiasm of the fans, which was simply a redemption existence!
The Lakers' victory wasn't just because of that one ball, Russell showed his all-round ability throughout the game. In addition to scoring and assisting, he is also extremely active on the defensive end. It's fair to say that without Russell's all-around performance, the Lakers would have had a hard time winning this game. Looking back at this game, you will find that almost every counterattack and every defensive transition of the Lakers, Russell has played a key role in it.
When it comes to Russell's performance, we have to mention his 37 million contract. He wasn't in great shape at the start of the season, and there were even rumors that the Lakers wanted to trade him. But his performance in 2024, especially in this crucial match, proved his worth. Not only is his technical stats on the pitch impressive, but more importantly he is able to step up and win for the team when it matters most.
In closing, we must say that Russell's performance is not only a testament to his own abilities, but also the best response to those who doubt him. Not only did he earn the respect of the fans with his performances, but he also ensured that the Lakers could go one step further in the playoffs. Every step of the Lakers' progress is inseparable from a star like Russell. For James, he needs to thank not only Russell for saving the game, but also for the decisive stability and confidence he brought to the team.