LeBron James was the top scorer (29 points) for the Los Angeles Lakers in a series-closing Game 5 win over the Houston Rockets. The King also added 11 rebounds and 7 assists.
It was the 15th time out of the last 16 closeout games that LeBron won. After the game, he was asked what helps him win closeout games.
“For me mentally, coming with the same desperation as the opponent. I understand that in a closeout game the team that’s down is going to play desperate and they’re going to play to their best abilities,” James said.
“If you allow that to happen throughout the course of a 48-minute game, they will extend the series. Not saying I’m always successful on closing out the series but that’s my mindset. My mindset is to be just as desperate as my opponent when I’m out there on the floor.”
Game 5 highlights:
