LeBron James, Lakers take down Grizzlies in Game 1 of matchup

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LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers pulled away from the Memphis Grizzlies late in the fourth quarter to take Game 1 of their first-round matchup in the NBA Playoffs, 128-112, on Sunday afternoon.

James finished with 21 points on 8-of-16 shooting with 11 rebounds for a double-double in his return to the first round after missing out on the playoffs entirely last season. He also had five assists as well as two steals and three blocks to help on the defensive end.

But James wasn’t the leading scorer for the Lakers. Rather, Rui Hachimura was lights out from three-point land to total 29 points on the day. Most of his points came in the second half, too, as Hachimura was relied on to hit his open threes, and he came through.

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LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket against Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 16, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Austin Reaves also produced down the stretch in the fourth quarter, hitting a three-pointer and then a 13-foot jumper to make the gap, 120-112.

Anthony Davis saw 22 points in his box score after going 10-of-17 from the field with 12 rebounds for a double-double like his counterpart in James. He also led the way with seven blocks and finished at plus-27 when on the floor.

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As for the Grizzlies, all eyes are on star point guard Ja Morant after he suffered what appeared to be a gruesome hand injury on a dunk attempt