The close of the NBA season is marked with one last push by teams as the playoffs approach. Here is the latest information:
LeBron Returns to Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers received some long-awaited help with the return of LeBron James after a 13-game absence. James suffered a ruptured tendon in his right foot. However, his recovery was quick enough to allow him to support his teammates in the quest for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference.
Unfortunately, the Lakers fell 118-108 to the Chicago Bulls. James contributed 19 points, dropping the Lakers to ninth place in the Western Conference. Los Angeles is now two games behind the Golden State Warriors with seven games remaining.
Doncic Suspended
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic received a suspension for his 16th technical foul of the season. Doncic will serve the one-game suspension in the Mavericks' next game before the Indiana Pacers on Monday night.
Tatum Injured
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum suffered an injury to his right hip against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night. The MVP candidate leads his club with 30.1 points per game, 8.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists. The Celtics will need Tatum fully recovered for the start of the playoffs.
🚨 LAST MINUTE !
LeBron James returns this afternoon vs. the Bulls - how will the King fare in his return 👀👀#nba #nbaentab #lebronjames #losangeles #lakers #lakeshow pic.twitter.com/y82yRiFm3N
- TAB Deportes (@tabpr) March 26, 2023
Young Expelled for Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Atlanta Falcons center Trae Young was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct after throwing the ball at one of the referees during the third quarter of Atlanta's 143-130 win over the Pacers.
The technical foul marked his 15th foul this season. One more technical foul and Young must serve a one-game suspension. Falcons head coach Quinn Snyder indicated that it's the type of play you can't commit. The coach said he has brought it to Young's attention and the player understands. Young, for his part, has acknowledged his mistake and it is hoped that it will not be repeated.
Golden State Makes Effort to Avoid Tournament
The Golden State Warriors are doing their best to finish in the top six of the Eastern Conference. According to star Stephen Curry, the Warriors want to avoid the "dangerous" tournament right off the bat. Curry expressed concern that a given game could go either way.
For his part, Curry's teammate, Daymond Green, said that the tournament represents a danger at the outset so they prefer to avoid it altogether. The Warriors defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 120-112 on Friday night, but fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-96 on Sunday. With the loss, Golden State sits just out of sixth place, but has several teams nipping at its heels, the Lakers among them.
