Age is clearly just a number for LeBron James, who at 37 years of age is still doing everything he can to keep the Los Angeles Lakers afloat in the Western Conference. The four-time NBA MVP has been putting up some spectacular numbers and has led the Lakers to a rare winning streak.
Elsewhere, Luka Doncic made a winning return to the Dallas Mavericks after missing nearly a month. Meanwhile, Celtics All-Star forward Jaylen Brown showed what a talent he is in leading Boston to a big win.
Read on below as SBOTOP shares five key takeaways from the latest round of NBA matches.
LeBron James continues to carry a heavy load for Lakers
The Lakers have won back-to-back games for the first time since mid-December after beating the Timberwolves, 108-103. LeBron James had another strong game with 26 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals in 39 minutes.
James had been absolutely outstanding, averaging 36 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists on 58 per cent shooting while playing 36 minutes in his previous seven games to help keep the Lakers in playoff contention in the Western Conference. But despite James’ brilliance, they are just 3-5 in their last eight games and are seventh in the West at 19-19.
With Anthony Davis still working his way back from a knee injury and Russell Westbrook still not making much of an impact on winning, 37-year-old LeBron will have to continue carrying the Lakers on his back for the foreseeable future.
Luka Doncic a bit rusty but still impactful in return
The Lakers are just marginally ahead of the No. 8 seed Dallas Mavericks, who improved to 18-18 with a 95-86 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Luka Doncic made his long-awaited return after 10 games out due to an ankle problem and a spell on the Covid protocols, and he was understandably rusty as he had just 14 points and seven turnovers in 31 minutes. But he did also have 9 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Mavs to their second straight win.
Doncic’s return is huge for the Mavs, who have been underwhelming in head coach Jason Kidd’s first season in charge. Doncic, who was an MVP favourite before the start of the season, also hasn’t been at his best this year, but his mere presence instantly makes the team so much better, as he proved against the Thunder.
Jaylen Brown shows his worth to Celtics critics
Jaylen Brown scored a career-high 50 points to lead the shorthanded Celtics to a 116-111 overtime win over the Orlando Magic.
It was the second straight win for the Celtics, who defied the NBA 2022 odds with a stunning 123-108 win over the Phoenix Suns last time out.
Brown has been in the middle of trade speculation, with some Boston fans growing sceptical that he and Jayson Tatum are capable of leading this team amid their struggles this season.
But Brown reminded the critics just what a terrific talent he is, so the Celtics may want to think twice about even considering trading him away.
No guards, no problem for Cavs
The Cleveland Cavaliers finally snapped their three-game losing streak as they beat the Indiana Pacers 108-104.
Rookie forward Evan Mobley led the way with 24 points and 9 rebounds, centre Jarrett Allen had 18 points and 11 rebounds with 3 blocks, while veteran forward Kevin Love added 20 points and 8 rebounds off the bench for the Cavs, who were missing their top three guards: Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio (both out for the season) and Darius Garland.
Cleveland’s big men have been fantastic all season, with Mobley leading the way in the Rookie of the Year race with his impressive two-way play.
It will be a major challenge for the Cavs to continue getting good NBA 2022 results without two of their top three guards for the rest of the year, but Garland’s impending return from Covid protocols coupled with continued strong play from their forwards could still make them a formidable force in the East.
Knicks in trouble again
The Knicks are struggling once again as they lost 120-105 to the Toronto Raptors, their second straight defeat of 15 points.
The Knicks were still without point guard Kemba Walker, who is again dealing with knee issues so soon after his triumphant return to the rotation (22.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6 assists in 39 minutes over a five-game stretch).
But Walker was always going to break down after playing such heavy minutes, and without him, Derrick Rose, and Julius Randle, who is in the protocols, the Knicks’ offence just looks lost.
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