Scoreboard
76ers 111, Mavericks 101
Hawks 120, Grizzlies 105
Nets 128, Trail Blazers 123
Cavaliers 119, Nuggets 116 (OT)
Knicks 100, Wizards 97
Lakers 128, Raptors 123 (OT)
Heat 120, Thunder 108
Pacers 121, Rockets 118
Pelicans 124, Spurs 91
Jazz 121, Clippers 92
Celtics 126, Kings 97
Suns 129, Bulls 102
What went down
Two games went into overdrive on a busy Saturday in the NBA.
In Toronto, drama ensued as the Lakers held on to beat the Raptors in overtime. Russell Westbrook tied it up with 0.4 seconds as he raced down the court after getting a clutch steal. This has been a rollercoaster season for Russ and this play was no exception. Before hitting the game-tying 3-pointer, he missed a previous shot so badly it wasn’t even close. His gutsy trey was redemption outlasted the Raptors in the extra session.
RUSSELL WESTBROOK TIES IT UP WITH .4 REMAINING!@Lakers 116@Raptors 116
— NBA (@NBA) March 19, 2022
.4 remaining: https://t.co/oz9UCQxdQa pic.twitter.com/0YyBvExTJW
Westbrook finished with a triple-double of 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists while LeBron James was a beast with 36 points, nine boards, and seven dimes.
Over at Cleveland, Lauri Markkanen emerged as the hero with his go-ahead triple at the top of the key with 28.3 seconds left. He finished with 31 points and 10 rebounds. After Nikola Jokic answered with a quick bucket, Evan Mobley countered on the other end. Denver had one last chance to tie and send the game into a second overtime but Bones Hyland’s triple missed.
Big board, big shot 😍 #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/1e6GCe3LKY
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 19, 2022
Big-time baller
In Year 19, LeBron James is still putting up huge numbers and getting those momentum-shifting rejections. This block was crucial with roughly two and a half minutes left in overtime as the Lakers were clinging to a two-point lead.
LeBron helps over for the DENIAL ?
— NBA (@NBA) March 19, 2022
TOR 123 | LAL 122
51.8 Remaining on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/oz9UCQxdQa pic.twitter.com/lN7SZtxGkv
The King had 36 points on an efficient 15-for-26 shooting spread, on top of nine rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks.
What he said
LeBron with a massive shoutout to Russ in his postgame interview and on his Instagram.
“Big-time IQ. Big time shot by a big-time player,” James said when he saw Westbrook make the split-second decision to move his foot back at the 3-point line when he drilled the game-tying shot (Per ESPN reporter Ohm Youngmisuk).
Peep Drake’s reaction in the background too!
Did you see that?
Expect Jalen Green dunks to be the norm. This kid can fly!
le="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt;">EMBEDAIR JALEN: NOW BOARDING ?? pic.twitter.com/iQy4IccckK
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 19, 2022
