Going into Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Lakers were considered slight underdogs, not just for the contest but for the series as well.
Although plenty of observers believed L.A. had a real shot at winning, there were also many who picked the Grizzlies to advance.
LeBron James and crew came out on top, 128-112, as they went on two big runs: one in the third quarter and another in the final minutes to secure victory. Austin Reaves played an outstanding first career playoff game with 23 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, while Rui Hachimura exploded for 29 points on 11-of-14 shooting off the bench.
On Twitter, fans were thoroughly impressed.
RUIIIIIII
— bryce 🏳️🌈 (@caramelctb) April 16, 2023
Man he’s special. I’m so happy he’s getting these opportunities, it is well deserved.
— Lakers Insiders (@LALInsiders) April 16, 2023
I can't stop thinking about the 4th quarter. Lebron, AD, and DLo on the floor. And they literally just gave the ball to AR and let him run the show over and over again. Phenomenal. But no surprise to Lakers fans. #GoLakers https://t.co/zfpRQTyFiK
— Jeremy Lai MD|MBA (@jdlai7) April 16, 2023
@Lakers 🥶💦🩸 pic.twitter.com/f1iokrvCwT
— The Light (@NKhi15) April 16, 2023
Yeaaaaa don't nobody wanna play my Lakers rn….
— IG: @DAT1chauffeurin (@DAT1chauffeurin) April 16, 2023
Me looking at all the experts who predicted the Grizzlies to advance past the Lakers.
FYI:
TO BE CLEAR: It's only one game but there are things that are concerning that I do'nt think Memphis has answers to. pic.twitter.com/Lqv8InHlwp
— Caillou Borden (@caillouborden12) April 16, 2023
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/gmUSj5RpEF
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) April 16, 2023
Austin Reaves screaming “I’m him” while giving the Grizzlies a straight spanking today was what I needed on the beautiful Sunday afternoon!!!! Lakers in 6. Carry on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) April 16, 2023
Austin Reaves in the Lakers Locker room: pic.twitter.com/p77HOs2fKh
— The Pettiest Laker Fan 🤫 (@ThePettiestLA) April 16, 2023
Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura when the Lakers needed them most pic.twitter.com/lN0K6yjQhj
— ♛ (@MambaSZN) April 16, 2023
Laker Nation, what a dominate performance by our boys in purple and gold! The Lakers ended up with 5 guys in double figures led by Hachimura with 29 points and 6 rebounds!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 16, 2023
Austin Reaves got a “BANG” from Mike Breen in a playoffs game. My dream came true pic.twitter.com/HCHh2S5ZZq
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) April 16, 2023
Watching the #Lakers tonight pic.twitter.com/Ic90FcgsaZ
— Dionysios Adamopoulos (@DionysiosAdamo1) April 16, 2023
The real Lakers MVP is GM Rob Pelinka. How is he not Executive of the Year??? He saved and turned around the season with the trade deadline moves he made.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 16, 2023
