Western Conference Recaps, Apr. 4: LeBron James Was Clutch In Los Angeles Lakers Overtime Victory Against Utah Jazz

LeBron James’ layup in overtime secured the Los Angeles Lakers’ victory

LeBron James delivered for the Los Angeles Lakers when it mattered most.

James missed a game-winning layup in the fourth quarter but he made up for it in overtime. With 27 seconds left, he powered his way through the paint to connect on a layup, giving the Lakers a 135-133 victory against the Utah Jazz.

“I saw a nice clear lane to the right side,” James said. “I definitely had to make up for blowing that layup at the end of regulation. I had a really good look. We set up a good play and I just left it a little short.”

James finished with 37 points, the most since Feb. 7. Austin Reaves scored 28 while Anthony Davis recorded 21 points and 14 rebounds.

With Lauri Markkanen sidelined due to a hand injury, Talen Horton-Tucker and Kelly Olynyk led the Jazz with 23 points.

OTHER NOTES:

-The Minnesota Timberwolves 107-102 victory against the Brooklyn Nets kept them alive in the play-in tournament. Anthony Edwards led them with 23 points and Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 22 points and 14 rebounds. Spencer Dinwiddie scored 30 points for the Nets and Mikal Bridges had 24.

-The Denver Nuggets’ hope for clinching the Western Conference slowed down. Led by Jalen Green’s 32 points, the Houston Rockets grabbed a 124-103 victory. Kevin Porter finished with 20 points while Alperen Sengun had 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Michael Porter’s 23 points led the Nuggets while Nikola Jokic recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds.

-Desmond Bane scored 30 points to help the Memphis Grizzlies secure a 119-109 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers. Ja Morant finished with 23 points and Luke Kennard had 20. Skylar Mays led the Trail Blazers with 24 points and Shaedon Sharpe finished with 20.

-The Sacramento Kings defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 121-103, clinching the Pacific Division title for the first time since 2003. De’Aaron Fox recorded 23 points for them and Domantas Sabonis had 21. Brandon Ingram’s 22 points led the Pelicans and Trey Murphy had 17.

-The Phoenix Suns’s 115-94 victory against the San Antonio Spurs helped them clinching a playoff spot. Devin Booker led the way with 27 points and Chris Paul had 22. Kevin Durant scored 18 points while Deandre Ayton recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Rookie Malaki Branham led the Spurs with 21 points and Tre Jones had 20.

-The Golden State Warriors outscored the Oklahoma City Thunder 67-46 in the second half to grab a 136-125 victory. With Klay Thompson sidelined due to a back injury, Stephen Curry scored 34 points and Jordan Poole had 30. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 32 points and Josh Giddey had 15.

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.