(CNN) Become the Memphis Grizzlies a favour for their solid confidence in the face of stardom – and Wednesday night was no different.
Game 2 of the seven best NBA players hem The series between the Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers was already a great thing, but the upset was escalated to another level midway through the third. a fourth When LA’s LeBron James and Memphis’s Dillon Brooks appeared to exchange words after a basket by James cut the Grizzlies’ lead to 14.
After the game, Brooks—known for his defense and perhaps epitomizing his team’s confident personality—told reporters that James said, “You’re stupid for making that mistake,” after Brooks committed his fourth foul.
However, after Memphis won 103-93 to even the series in one game, Brooks didn’t hold back from trading with one of the best NBA players of all time.
“I don’t care, he’s old,” Brooks, who finished with 12 points out of 5 out of 14 during the 23 minutes he spent on the court, told reporters. “He only said something when I got the fourth error. He definitely didn’t say anything earlier.
“But I cheat bears. I respect no one until they come and give me 40.” [points]. I take pride in what I do: defending and taking on any challenge that is on the board. If it’s LeBron, if it’s AD [Anthony Davis], if from whatever. I play with my heart – he knows it. The rest of the NBA knows that. I know my buddies know that.”
Four-time NBA winner James finished Wednesday’s game with 28 points and 10 rebounds.
According to ESPN, the only player to score 40 against the Grizzlies in a game Brooks has played this season is Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Brooks — who wore sunglasses, an open button-up shirtless shirt underneath and a diamond-encrusted chain with a “DB” medallion to speak to the media — had acknowledged James’ stellar run throughout, but made it clear he couldn’t let it get the better of him when the defending NBA champion. pro four times.
“Obviously I have some respect,” said the 27-year-old. “He’s a legend. He’s LeBron James. But when I’m on this floor, you’re just another player to me. I don’t care who you are. You’re only 6’8″, 270 pounds and you’re a basketball player.”
Brooks added, “This is where guys don’t see that part of the game. I had these moments. First year, second year, it was like, ‘Oh, he’s glowing. ‘” It’s sparkling. “
“I can’t look [him] It’s Lebron James. He’s just another basketball player. And I’m up for the challenge every night.”
The Grizzlies’ victory was all the more impressive because it came without their star guard, Ja Morant, who missed the game with a bruised right hand.
Xavier Tillman led the team in scoring with 22 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, while Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 18 points.
James led the way for the Lakers, while Rui Hachimura added 20 points off the bench.
The first round of the Western Conference playoff series continues with Game 3 in Los Angeles on Saturday.
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