LA Lakers Clinch Playoff Spot With Thrilling Win Over Minnesota Timberwolves In NBA Play-In Match

Photo: Instagram/LeBron James

LeBron James led the LA Lakers to a thrilling comeback win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, securing their place in the NBA playoffs.

With 30 points under his belt, James helped the Lakers overcome a 15-point deficit, leading them to a 108-102 overtime victory in the play-in match.

The Lakers' initial five-game losing streak at the start of the season seemed far behind them as they gear up to face the Memphis Grizzlies in the playoffs.

Photo: Instagram/LeBron James showing off his skills against the Timberwolves defense.

After the game, James reflected on the importance of the moment, saying, "This is what our sport is all about - getting to April and an opportunity to play in the postseason. We've been battle-tested all year and since the All-Star break, we've been playing some good basketball."

In the final moments of regulation time, the game was on a knife-edge as Dennis Schroder scored a three-pointer to give the Lakers a 98-95 lead with 1.4 seconds left.

However, Anthony Davis fouled Mike Conley, who then made three free throws to take the game to overtime. The Lakers managed to rally and win, despite trailing 76-61 halfway through the third quarter.

Although Rudy Gobert was suspended, Minnesota will have another chance to qualify for the playoffs through the play-ins on Friday. They will face the winner of Wednesday's match between the ninth and tenth seeds, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks secured a playoff series against the Boston Celtics by defeating the Miami Heat 116-105.

With 25 points, Trae Young was instrumental in their win, while Clint Capela recorded a game-high 21 rebounds.

Miami will have another opportunity to advance when they face the winner of the play-in between the Chicago Bulls and the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

Read Next: Trae Young Addresses Trade Rumors Before Crucial Play-In Game Against Miami Heat

Source:BBC Sports 

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