Oh well, the minute restriction was short-lived

LeBron James finally found his rhythm in the fourth quarter, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to their season-opening victory over the Phoenix Suns 100-95 at Crypto.com Arena.

James put on a show when his team needed him most, finishing with 21 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and two blocks in 35 minutes of action without sitting out the entire fourth quarter.

In the closing minutes of a close game, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer scored six points in a row by himself to give the Lakers an advantage they would never give up.

Coach Darvin Ham announced after the team’s season-opening loss to the Denver Nuggets that James would be limited to playing 28 to 30 minutes per night. James stayed true to that plan for the majority of the Sun game.

That is, until he understood that if the Lakers were going to win, he couldn’t force the 38-year-old off the court.

Anthony Davis, who received harsh criticism for his play against the Nuggets when he scored just zero points in the second half, had a redemption night as well. He scored 17 points in the last two quarters against Phoenix, including a few crucial baskets in the closing minutes.

With a team-high 30 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and three blocks, he ultimately led the charge.

The two stars of the Lakers were well-liked by their supporters.