LeBron James and the Lakers took a commanding 3–1 series lead over the Grizzlies on Monday night with a thrilling 117–111 overtime victory at home.
It was a historic night for James, who finished with 20 points (including a game-tying layup with 0.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter) and 22 rebounds for the first 20–20 game of his legendary career. He became the oldest player in NBA history to have a 20–20 stat line in a playoff game since Wilt Chamberlain did it in 1973 at age 36.
This all comes, of course, after Memphis’ Dillon Brooks had a lot to say about James and his age following the Grizzlies’ Game 2 win.
Shaquille O’Neal took a fun shot at Dillon after James’s monster game:
"Dillon Brooks said he doesn't respect anybody until they get 40. 20 & 20 is 40." @SHAQ on @KingJames 20-20 performance in Game 4 pic.twitter.com/UTbl27qI0Z
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 25, 2023
It's starting to feel like maybe Brooks shouldn’t have poked the bear.