NBA Twitter reacts to LeBron James’ historic first half in Game 4
LeBron James did not take facing elimination lightly, leading the Lakers with a historic first half performance in Game 4 against the Nuggets.
LeBron James has spent 20 seasons in the NBA trying to prove that he’s the greatest of all time. Now 38 years old and facing elimination at the hands of the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, it’s hard to argue he’s not.
It’s not just that James has reached immense heights during his NBA career. It’s that he’s managed a degree of longevity that simply hasn’t been matched in the history of the sport.
His performance in the first half of Game 4 for the Lakers is further proof of that as he scored 31 first-half points to set a new playoff career-high while also crossing the 8,000-points mark in playoff points.
NBA Twitter was in awe of James’ performance which seemed to yet again turn back the clock.
LeBron James set a new career high in the first half of Game 4 vs. the Nuggets
LeBron’s 1st Half alone is the best playoff game by any player in Year 18, 19 or 20 in NBA history.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) May 23, 2023
The only thing that comes close is LeBron’s closeout game against the Warriors.
There’s no context for what we just saw, given the stage of career. None.
LeBron James is now the only member of the 8,000 point playoff club.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) May 23, 2023
He’s also the only member of the 7,000 point playoff club… and the 6,000 point club.
The gap between LeBron & MJ at #2, 2,027, is the gap between MJ & #13 D-Wade & more than Kyrie’s *career* playoff points.
https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1660826300611698692
LeBron had himself a half in Game 4 👀 pic.twitter.com/e9I7WuOJhB
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 23, 2023
LeBron with 31 points in the first half of a must-win game, resting only four seconds and playing motivated defense to lead the Lakers.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 23, 2023
All in Year 20 at age 38. A reminder:
Don’t take LeBron James for granted. pic.twitter.com/kGubS31sig
LeBron was a man on a mission in the first half. He shot 11-of-13 from the field, hitting each of his four three point attempts while going 5-for-5 from the foul line.
The Lakers took a 73-58 lead into the break but the second half remained to determine whether James’ efforts would be enough to stave off elimination.
Regardless of the outcome, it’s remarkable what the 38-year-old superstar has managed to achieve this late into his career.
In the first three games of the series, James averaged 23.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 10.3 assists.
Next. Has LeBron James ever been swept in the playoffs?. dark