NBA Playoffs, Early Round Classics Season 2011 Episode 17 L.A. Lakers vs New Orleans Game #4 04/24/2011

In NBA Playoffs, Early Round Classics season 2011 episode 17, viewers are taken back to April 24, 2011, when the fourth game of the opening round series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Hornets took place. This was a pivotal game in the series, with the Lakers leading 2-1, and the Hornets looking to tie it up and gain some momentum for the rest of the playoffs.

The game took place at the New Orleans Arena, and the atmosphere was electric as the teams took to the court. The Lakers were the heavy favorites coming into the series, with their star-studded team featuring Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom. The Hornets, on the other hand, were seen as underdogs, with point guard Chris Paul leading the charge.

The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging baskets and playing solid defense. The Lakers took a narrow lead into the second quarter, but the Hornets kept the pressure on and managed to tie the game up just before halftime. Chris Paul was the standout player for the Hornets in the first half, scoring 14 points and dishing out 3 assists.

The second half is where things really started to heat up. The Lakers came out firing on all cylinders, with Kobe Bryant leading the way with his trademark scoring ability. However, the Hornets refused to back down, and kept the game close through the third quarter. The game was tied heading into the fourth quarter, setting up an exciting finish.

Both teams traded blows in the final period, with stars on both sides making clutch plays. Pau Gasol hit a jumper to give the Lakers a 4-point lead with just under 3 minutes remaining, but Chris Paul responded with a 3-point play to cut the deficit to 1. The tension was palpable as the clock ticked down, and both teams knew how crucial this game was.

In the final minute of play, it was Kobe Bryant who once again stepped up to the plate. With the Lakers clinging to a 2-point lead, Kobe hit a tough fadeaway jumper to extend the lead to 4 with just 20 seconds remaining. The Hornets were unable to score on their final possession, and the Lakers held on for a hard-fought victory.

Overall, this was a classic playoff game between two talented teams. Kobe Bryant led the way for the Lakers with 30 points, while Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom provided solid contributions. Chris Paul was the standout player for the Hornets, finishing the game with 22 points and 8 assists. In the end, it was the Lakers who emerged victorious, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.