1 week Ago By Dan Coombs, NBA Analysis Network
Donte DiVincenzo had a dramatic end to the game for the Minnesota Timberwolves . When Donte DiVincenzo looks back on Game 4 of the series with the LA Lakers , the Minnesota Timberwolves star will reflect on a chaotic fourth quarter. And from an individual standpoint, he may consider that teammates Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards bailed him out by closing out the NBA Playoffs game.
With 2:11 remaining, Donte DiVincenzo drove to the rim and scored a lay-up, also earning a foul. It was a critical moment. But then with 1:37 to go, DiVincenzo went back to the well again – and was made to pay.
LeBron James slammed incredible block Donte DiVincenzo’s lay-up attempt was ruthlessly blocked as LeBron James leaped between the rim to shut out his attempt. A connection was instantly made with LeBron James’ block on Andre Iguodala in the 2016 NBA Finals, one of the all-time legendary play. Former Cavaliers teammate Richard Jefferson was on commentary for the Lakers game, and remarked: “”It brings back some special, special memories,” after seeing his block on DiVincenzo.
“BLOCKED BY JAMES!” LeBron James with a block on one end & Dorian Finney-Smith with a three, for the lead, on the other! pic.twitter.com/1i7ZLrd5DI It turned into a potentially important play, with the Lakers going straight to the other end of the court and Rui Hachimura scoring a three to re-take the lead.
Former star Kendrick Perkins called out the Timberwolves star for a lack of awareness. He wrote on X: “Donte has lost his damn mind. No way in hell he thought that layup attempt was safe with Bron guarding him.
” Donte has lost his damn mind. No way in hell he thought that layup attempt was safe with Bron guarding him Thankfully for the Timberwolves star it became a footnote in the game rather than the critical moment it appeared. Minnesota closed out a 116-113 win, taking a series lead.
LeBron James struggled at the other end With the Minnesota Timberwolves winning the game, the narrative took an immediate switch. LeBron James scored 27 points – but none of his scoring came in the fourth quarter, and there was a clear reason for that. JJ Redick remarkably decided to play the same five players for the entire second half, and the Lakers were outscored 32-19 in the fourth, a decision queried by Magic Johnson .
Perkins blasted, with a little exaggeration: “Rookie Mistake by JJ!!! Bron and Luka were dead tired...
you’ve have to find time to get them some rest. Especially a 40 year old LeBron James who’s in his 100th season.” Rookie Mistake by JJ!!! Bron and Luka were dead tired.
.. you’ve have to find time to get them some rest.
Especially a 40 year old Lebron James who’s in his 100th season. This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission..
