[Saba Sports News] D’Angelo Russell achieved his revenge during the NBA In-Season Tournament final. The Los Angeles Lakers, with Russell, defeated the Indiana Pacers 123-109.
Throughout the game, Russell frequently trash-talked his Pacers opponent, Bruce Brown, and even pointed at him while he was on the bench. Post-game, Russell’s verbal jabs continued, attributing his motivation to Brown’s comments throughout the year. He emphasized his respect for Brown but insisted that their rivalry was confined to the court.
“He was talking s— all year,” said Russell of Brown, via Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. “Yeah, talking s— all year. For me, it was just showing it with my play. I don’t have nothing to say to him. I’m a fan of him to be honest.”
“This was just all on the court,” Russell added. “Got something to say? Show me on the court. [Nikola] Jokic ain’t there next to you today. It’s different.”
Russell’s win carried additional significance as Brown was part of the Denver Nuggets team that previously swept the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, where Brown had criticized Russell’s play. Despite the presence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers, Russell contributed significantly with 13 points and seven assists, contrasting Brown’s four points, thus justifying his post-game remarks.